Stubble Rosegill

Stubble Rosegill Volvariella gloiocephala (DC.) Boekhout & Enderle syn. V. speciosa (Fr.) Singer (illustrated life size) Cap 5–10cm across, ovoid at first then convex to expanded; whitish, greyish-brown at the centre; viscid when moist. Stem 50–90×10–15mm, tapering upwards from the base; white; base enclosed in bag-like, whitish or somewhat greyish volva. Flesh white; taste mild, smell earthy. Gills crowded, broad; white, finally dark pink. Spores 13–18×8–10¼, broadly ellipsoid. Spore print pink. Habitat on well-manured ground, compost heaps, and rotting straw; summer to autumn. Frequent. Edible but careful identification is needed to avoid confusion with deadly, white-spored Amanitas; the latter have rings, but these may become detached.