GENERA AND SPECIES OF MUSHROOMS 



cup at the base of the stem although it may be bulbous. 

 There is a ring or collar on the stem. In some species the 

 epidermis (peel) of the cap breaks into scales which adhere 

 to the cap and this feature suggests the name of the genus 

 which is derived from the Latin word lepis^ a scale. 



Species of Lepiota 

 Lepiota americana; American lepiota; blushing lepiota. 

 Plate XII, Species 82. 



On grassy ground or about old sttimps, sawdust heaps or 

 compost heaps; July to October; singly or in tufts; edible. 



Cap white with reddish or reddish-brown scales and elevated 

 center; egg-shaped when young, growing convex or expanded 

 when mature; i to 4 inches broad; margin striated (with 

 radial marks). 



Gills white; close together; free from the stem; sometimes 

 forked or joined near their inner end. 



Stem somewhat thickened at or above the base; hollow; 

 usually with a ring or collar, but sometimes this is thin and 

 may disappear when the plant is old; wounds or bruises are 

 apt to assume brownish hues; 3 to 5 inches long. 



Spores white; slightly elliptic; with a nucleus; .0003 to 

 .0004 inch long, .0002 to .0003 inch broad. 



The American lepiota has one character in which it differs 

 from aU other species of this genus. The whole plant when 

 fresh is white except the scales upon the cap and its central 

 portion, but in drying it assumes a dull reddish or smoky 

 color. By this character it is easily recognized Peck. 



Lepiota Morgani; green-spored mushroom. Plate XII, 

 Species 83. Figiire 25. 



On ground in open places (rarely in woods) ; singly or in 

 groups, sometimes in curved Hnes or "fairy rings"; June to 

 October; POISONOUS. 



215 



