17 
This species is very common around Brisbane and is 
probably further afield. There is no definite evidence 
against it from our districts as it is only rarely that 
specimens of the offending fungi are available by the 
time poisoning symptoms come on. However, we must 
assume that it is the cause of some of our local cases of 
poisoning. On a casual glance there is a resemblance 
to our common edible mushroom Agrictts (Psalliota) 
campestris L. ex Fries (see Figs. .‘5 and 4), but a second 
inspection should not leave any doubt. In both species 
the caps are generally whitish with brown shades appear- 
ing as they mature, and at maturity the gills beneath the 
cap are practically black. The Pa naeolns, however, is 
relatively taller with a thinner stalk. Also, in the younger 
specimens the gills of Puna col us are greyish, while those 
of tin* Agaricus are distinctly pink. Also the cap of 
Panaeolus is practically hemispherial, with the margin 
only slightly included, while the common mushroom is 
flatter with the margin distinctly included. The surface 
of the cap of Panaeolus is distinctly tacky in damp 
weather, but on drying its appearance resembles a white 
lacquered surface. The Agaricus cap on the other hand 
has a finely fibrous surface and is not tacky when damp. 
On the young Agaricus, and frequently on the mature 
specimens, there is a ring around the slalk beneath the 
cap. This is absent in Panaeolus .. A further difference 
is the manner of attachment of the gills. With the 
Agaricus the gills finish just prior to reaching the stalk 
and are said to be “free”. As a result the stem is easily 
broken away from the cap. In Panaeolus the gills are 
attached to the stalk and the latter does not break away 
readily. Also while there is a superficial resemblance in 
the colour of the mature gills, closer inspection shows the 
Panaeolus to be a mottled greyish-black and the Agaricus 
to be an intense purplish-black. Habitat is sometimes a 
guide in that Panaeolus is often associated with fresh 
dung. 
The type of poisoning caused by Panaeolus appears 
to be noil-fatal with symptoms described as being akin to 
alcoholic intoxication in some aspects. The safest course 
for would-be eaters of mushrooms is to be quite clear in 
their own mind what the common edible mushroom looks 
like and to eat only that species. 
