Agaricus crocodilinus was first described by William Murrill in 1912. The specific epithet is in reference to its warty surface, reminiscent of a crocodile's skin.[3]
Description
The cap starts out round, before becoming broadly convex. It is 5–12 centimetres (2–4+1⁄2in) across when young, but can reach 20–40cm (8–15+1⁄2in). The stipe is 6–20cm (2+1⁄4–7+3⁄4in) long and 2–4cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄2in) wide, with a ring. The gills are free, starting out tannish and later becoming reddish to blackish brown.[1]
Agaricus crocodilinus often grows in prairies and pastures with a lot of grass.[1] It is saprophytic.[3]
Uses
Agaricus crocodilinus is considered edible and highly regarded,[1] but often contains maggots (even when young) and can be confused with at least one poisonous species.[2] It has also been known to accumulate the toxic chemical cadmium, even in non-polluted areas.[4]
References
1234Siegel, Noah; Schwartz, Christian (September 1, 2024). Mushrooms of Cascadia: A Comprehensive Guide to Fungi of the Pacific Northwest. Humboldt County, California: Backcountry Press. p.86. ISBN9781941624197.
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