WOOD MUSHROOM : agaricus silivicoia
Be very sure of true identity before eating.
This sizeable edible mushroom is widespread around our more wooded areas. Josephine Bacon tells us that the sinky white cap is hemispherical at first, flattening with age and is occasionally stained with yellow patches, especially sop when bruised.
As in all members of the agaricus genus, the cap peels easily. The remains of the veil form a floppy ring on the tall white stem......The gills are crowded, pink at first and darkening to brownish black as the purple brown spores ripen. (See reference below).
When they go through that first phase where they are more spherical they can be confused with the yellow stainer (Agaricus xanthodermus). That similar but bruises chrome yellow when handled or cut and smells of Indian ink, phenol, hospitals, just an unpleasant chemical smell. [Wildfood Uk].
The i-naturalist tells us that there is another which differs slightly in : Agaricus silvaticus (or Agaricus sylvaticus), otherwise known as the Scaly Wood Mushroom, Blushing Wood Mushroom or Pinewood Mushroom, is a common, edible Mushroom, often found in groups in coniferous forests from early summer, or September through to November in Europe, North Africa and North America.
The following photos were taken in November within a wooded area of the Strathleven House grounds. You can see how these mushrooms change shape as they grow.
In this photo you can see how something has been nibbling at the gills. Beyond is a line of others; the edge of the mycelium.
BACON, JOSPEHINE : Identification Guide to MUSHROOMS of BRITAIN and Europe. John Beaulfoy Publishing. 2012. ISBN 978-1-906780-60-9. Page 54.
WILDFOOD UK website : https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/wood-mushroom/
