Agaricus Augustus

Agaricus Augustus

Today we are going to talk about a type of mushroom that belongs to the Agaricus group and that belongs to the Agaricaceae family. Its about Agaricus Augustus. It is also known by the common name of prataiolo and was recognized in the year 1838. This name comes from the specific Latin epithet Augustus which means great. It lent spread throughout North America, North Africa, Asia and Europe.

In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics, habitat and uses of the Agaricus augustus.

Key features

Hat and foils

This type of mushroom is mainly distinguished from others because it has a hat with dimensions of up to 30 centimeters in diameter. This is not usually seen in other specimens and, therefore, it has the epithet augustus, which means large. This hat is initially globose and expands to a semi-spherical as it develops. In adulthood we find many specimens with a flat hat in the middle and quite fleshy.

We can easily recognize the cuticle as they have a yellowish brown color. This cuticle can be easily dissociated from the scale disc and has a concentric brown flocosity on a whitish straw yellow background. This becomes more yellow in color as a rub is rubbed.

This mushroom has free but thick and narrow blades between them. When the specimen is young, it is initially very light in color but gradually turns whitish and pinkish. until they finally turn chocolate brown when fully ripe. To recognize the age of these fungi we can separate in those that have whitish sheets are immature specimens. You can see a more attenuated color at the ends.

Pie and meat

As for the foot, it usually has measures of 18 × 3 centimeters with a cylindrical shape. It is a completely full and robust foot. It has a white color and turns yellow when rubbed. It has curved scales that are under a ring. This ring is white or pink in color and with a very smooth texture. It is usually found thickened at the base. It also has an oversized ring that is larger and has a white areola.

Finally, its flesh is firm and white in color. At the base of the stem it turns brown. This can help us as an indicator to differentiate this Agaricus from others in the same group. The smell of the meat is intense and reminds us of bitter almonds. The taste of this mushroom is very pleasant and somewhat sweet. However, it is a flavor that is not appreciated by everyone.

Habitat of the Agaricus Augustus

Being a saprophytic fungus, prataiolo prefers acidic soils with a lower pH, but rich in humus. And it is that they need large amounts of organic matter to be able to develop in good conditions. They can be found in both coniferous forests and deciduous trees. They particularly form clumps in quercus, both of which are green, on roadsides, in parks, and some grassy areas. It can grow gregarious, even with a certain propensity to subspite.

The development time is late spring to late fall. This time can be lengthened depending on the temperatures. If the temperature is higher, it will grow before the end of spring as it will hold almost to the beginning of winter.

El Agaricus Augustus it is a fungus that is easy to grow. The technique to be able to cultivate it varies depending on the quantities that need to be produced. For those positioned hazing people you can get some boxes, such as the ones that the fruit is placed, which will serve to grow it. We must cover this box inside with a black plastic sheet that protrudes from the edge. It must be closed enough so that it is closed on the ground and the mycelium can be inoculated.

Uses and possible confusion of the Agaricus Augustus

Since it is considered a fungus with good edibility and good yield, it is highly appreciated by all. Its smell of bitter almonds and sweeter meat is what makes many people not want to eat it. Since it is among the species of the genus Agaricus, it is this fungus that stands out in size.

One of the main confusions is that of the Agaricus impudicus. This specimen has an ax and a similar smell but is much less pronounced. Another possible confusion is that of Agaricus salicophilus which differs by having the largest spores. The Agaricus heterocystis has been reported in Africa numerous times to be confused with the Agaricus Augustus. However, the main difference is that it has a lighter color and the almond smell is much more fleeting.

The one really to be careful not to confuse with is the Agaricus praeclaresquamosus. This is because it is a poisonous specimen of the group of yellowish fungi. The confusion is mainly due to the fact that it sometimes has a similar ax scale. However, it has a smell of ink or phenol and is not easy to perceive at times.

It is spread mainly by North America, North Africa, Asia and Europe and can be found in small groups. If we want to find them, we can look in those places where there is decomposition of leaves, stumps, old trunks and, especially, under conifers. They can be found both in groups and alone.

The advantage of this mushroom over others is that it can be eaten, cooked and stored in the same way as common mushrooms. Although its flavor is a little sweeter and the smell is not reminiscent of bitter almonds, it is considered a great edible.

As you can see, even if it is a fungus that has several species as possible confusions, it is rare that someone confuses them since it is one of the largest. I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Agaricus augustus.


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