Aspropaxillus lepistoides

Morphological Features:

Pileus that in its full development can notably exceed 20 cm in diameter, solid and very fleshy, globose when young, later convex, never fully flattening out. It is white and pruinose when young, cracking and acquiring some creamy tinge, especially at the center, upon maturity. The margin remains incurved for a long time, quite notably.

Lamellae adnate, separable from the pileus, very crowded, whitish when young, later clearly creamy in color.

Stipe very short and stout, thick and whitish. It is so short that when observing the fungus on the ground, only the pileus appears attached to the substrate, resembling a stone.

Flesh distinctly white, very thick and firm, with a highly agreeable taste and odor bearing a slightly acidic nuance.

Habitat:

It typically fruits in both spring and autumn, on high plateaus and mountain grasslands, as well as in uncultivated meadows, at elevations above 800 meters. It is an uncommon fungus due to its highly localized distribution.

Observations:

It is a choice edible, particularly when young; its texture is mushroom-like and its flavor finer and slightly acidic. The persistent incurved margin, short stipe, and adnate lamellae accurately distinguish it from other species such as Clitocybe candida or Leucopaxillus paradoxus, both of which possess strongly decurrent lamellae.