27 
on the lower side of the cap. and restrict the word ‘‘toad- 
stooh’ to those known to be poisonous. If a line is to be 
drawn the latter suggestion is probably the better. How- 
ever, in accordance with the generally accepted use in 
this area the word ‘‘toadstool" as used at the beading of 
these articles carries the former significance. 
The group to be discussed in this article are all 
members of the genus Lepioia, They are as follows: Lep- 
iota procera (Fr.) S. P. Gray, Lepioia dolichaula (B. and 
Br.) Sacc., Lepiota moli/hdites (G. Meyer ex Fr.) Sacc. 
and Lepioia rachodes (V^itt.) Q'aelet. The first three have 
all been recorded for Queensland, the second and third 
being quite common. The last mentioned is found in 
Victoria and cooler parts but is added because of its like- 
ness to L. molyhdiies. 
The points that characterise this group are (1) the 
large caps, 4-6 inches in diameter being relatively com- 
mon. (2) The scaly appearance of the upper surface of the 
cap. (3) The gills are white, except older stages of L. 
molyhdites. (4) The gills are free, i.e. not attached to the 
stem. (5) The spore deposit is white (exce])t for L. molyb- 
dites). (6) On the upper part of the stem is a distinct ring. 
(7) The stem comes away from the cap witli a clean 
break. 
L. procera is known world wide as the “Parasol 
Mushroom and is considered to be one of the best for 
eating. It has been recorded for Queensland but does not 
appear to be as common as the next two. Figure 1 gives a 
characteristic sketch of this species, reclvoning that the 
stalk might be up to 12". The surface of the stem is 
brown and felty and large brown scales are present on 
the cap. 
Ij. dolichaula is very similar to L. procera except 
that it is ail white and the feltiness on the stem is not: so 
distinct, ft is quite common around Brisbane at least in 
the spring and late summer-antnmn if moisture conditions 
are suitable. The close relationship to L. procera would sug- 
gest that this species is edible but evidence is meagre. One 
recent attempt to eat this species by two individuals re- 
sulted in one being totally unaffected and the other 
suffering giddiness with slight gastro-intestinal reactions 
some twelve hours afterwards. Both agreed that the 
flavour was excellent. Figure 1 can also be used to outline 
the form of this species, allowing for stem markings being 
less distinct. 
T^epiota molybdifes (fig 2) has been known in other 
countries until recently as L. morgenii. It is generally 
recorded as a poisonous species, with the reservation that 
