498 



The White Trichoeoma (Edible) 

 Tricholonm alburn Schaeff. 



This mushroom grows on the ground in woods, either singly or 

 in ckisters, from August to October, and is quite common. 



The cap is 5 to 10 cm. (2 to 4 inches) broad, quite thick and fleshy 

 but a httle tough, and usually entirely white though sometimes tinged 

 with 3^ellow toward the center. It is at first convex, but becomes flat 

 and finally depressed at the center. The surface is smooth and dry. 

 The margin in young specimens is turned inward, but in older speci- 

 mens it is straight. The flesh is white, without any decided odor, but 

 with a slightly bitter taste. 



The gills are attached to the stem and either have a distinct notch 

 or are merely rounded at the stem end. They are somewhat crowded, 

 c[uite broad, and white in color. The spores are white. 



The stem is 5 to 10 cm. (2 to 4 inches) long, solid, firm, smooth, 

 and white in color. There is no annulus and no volva. 



The genus Tricholouia does not give us any very excellent edible 

 species. T. album is perhaps as good as any of them. The bitter, 

 unpleasant taste of the raw^ flesh is entirely overcome in cooking, and 

 the plant is very good for soups or for patties. 



Another species of Tricholouia that is likely to be found, is T. 

 personatuui, which is easily recognized by the lilac or violet-tinged 

 color of the cap and stem and the violet color of the gills. It is con- 

 sidered better than T. album by some people. 



Collected in Champaign countv. 



