Leucoagaricus leucothites

Morphological Features:

Pileus that at maximum development can approach 10 cm in diameter, although it is usually found around 5 cm, bell-shaped at first, then clearly convex, without becoming fully flattened. It is pure white in color, especially when young, though it tends to stain light ochre with age or handling. The margin is very regular and occasionally slightly undulate.

Lamellae notably crowded and free from the stipe, very white in young specimens, later cream-colored, and finally pinkish due to the spore deposit.

Stipe cylindrical and elongated, exceeding the pileus diameter in length, thickened into a bulb at the base. It is white in color, but when rubbed it first stains yellowish-ochre and later turns brown. It bears a movable, fragile white ring.

Flesh not very thick but firm, white and unchanging when cut. Pleasant fungal odor and equally pleasant sweet taste.

Habitat:

Appears in early autumn on grassy meadows, roadsides, clearings in pine forests, and even in public gardens. It is a frequent and fairly abundant mushroom.

Observations:

It is a species considered choice edible by many authors. Furthermore, its confusion with Amanita verna, and especially with Amanita virosa, is notable; the latter also fruits during the same time of year. The most evident difference compared to Amanita species is that they possess a volva rather than a bulb or basal thickening on the stipe.