| Agaricus crocodilinus | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Basidiomycota |
| Class: | Agaricomycetes |
| Order: | Agaricales |
| Family: | Agaricaceae |
| Genus: | Agaricus |
| Species: | A. crocodilinus |
| Binomial name | |
| Agaricus crocodilinus Murrill | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Agaricus crocodilinus, commonly known as the crocodile agaricus [1] or macro mushroom, [2] is a species of mushroom in the family Agaricaceae.
Agaricus crocodilinus was first described by William Murrill in 1912. It got its name because of its warty surface, reminiscent of a crocodile's skin. [3]
The cap of Agaricus crocodilinus starts out round, before becoming broadly convex. 5-12 centimeters in diameter when young. However, when fully grown, it is 20-40 centimeters. The stipe is 6-20 centimeters long and 2-4 centimeters wide, with a ring. The gills are free, starting out tannish and later becoming reddish to blackish brown. [1] It can sometimes be confused with Agaricus arvensis and A. xanthodermus . [2]
Agaricus crocodilinus | |
|---|---|
 | Gills on hymenium |
 | Cap is convex |
 | Hymenium is free |
 | Stipe has a ring |
 | Spore print is brown |
 | Edibility is edible |
Agaricus crocodilinus often grows in prairies and pastures with a lot of grass. [1] It is saprophytic. [3]
Agaricus crocodilinus is considered edible and highly regarded. [1] However, it often contains maggots, even when young, and can be confused with the poisonous yellow stainer (A. xanthodermus). [2] A. crocodilinus has also been known to accumulate cadmium, even in areas without pollution. [4]