Parasol

Description:

Initially spherical and pale brown with a darker brown area near the crown that breaks into scales, the cap of Macrolepiota procera expends until it is flat with a small central bump, known as an umbo. The cap flesh is white and does not change significantly when cut. The cap diameter at maturity ranges between 10 and 25 cm. The broad, crowded gills of the parasol mushroom are white or pale cream and free, terminating some distance from the stipe. A large double-edged ring persists around the stem of Macrolepiota procera but often becomes movable and falls to the base. The stem is smooth and white or cream but decorated with small brown scales that often give it a banded, snakeskin appearance. Inside the stem the tough white fibrous flesh is loosely packed, and sometimes the stem is hollow. Bulbous at the base, the stems of Macrolepiota procera tapers inwards slightly towards the apex, the diameter ranges from 1 to 1.5 cm (to 2.5cm across the bulbous base), and the stem height can be up to 30 cm.

Habitat:

Parasol mushrooms are saprobic. They are most common in woodland clearings and in grassy areas next to woodland, growing alone or in small scattered groups. Also occasionally in permanent pasture and in stable sand dunes as well as, although rarely, on disturbed ground such as in gardens and allotments.

Notes:

Spotted in National Park Veluwezoom, Holland. (sources:see reference)