Ascomycetes | Basidiomycetes | Classifications | Fruit Body Structure | Slime Molds
Pluteaceae
Members of this family are small or medium sized. Gills are free from the stem which is usually central. Spore prints are pink to dull reddish.
Group: Pluteus
This group shares all the common features of the family. The main thing to
note is that they lack the volva or cup at the base of the stem.
Pluteus Umbrosis
Found at Te Mata Trust park in Havelock North. In June, 2000. Growing on
rotting wood. Single Mushroom.
Cap: Light brown in colour covered in tiny brown velvety hairs or
scales which is more dense in the center, this forms a rather sticking
pattern on the cap surface, especially after rain. Convex in shape. 3-9cm in
diameter.
Gills: Free from stalk, tan coloured but pinkish brown at maturity.
Spore print: Pinkish.
Stem: White in colour with some minute brown scales. 3-9cm high
and4-12mm thick.
Edibility: Edible, but I have not tried it!!
Pluteas Velutinornatus
Found in Te Mata Trust Park in Havelock North. Appears to be growing from
ground but possibly from buried wood. In June, 2000.
Cap: Brown in colour, covered in darker brown fibrils or scales
forming a fascinating pattern which may be caused by the weathering of the
fibrils. About 3-5cm in diameter, flat to convex in shape.
Gills: Free from stalk, pinkish in colour .
Spore print: Pinkish
Stem: White to tan in colour. 5-7cm high and 3-6cm thick.
Edibility:
Unknown. (i.e. DON'T EAT IT!!)
Group: Volvariella
This group differs from Pluteus in that a Volva or cup is present at the
foot of the stem. This group is thought to be related to Amanitaceae due to
the presence of the volva and the free gills.
Volvariella speciosa (Common Volvariella)
Found in both May and June, 2000. The one in the photograph was found in Te
Mata Trust Park in Havelock North, but I also have seen this mushroom
growing from a lawn in an orchard.
Cap: 5-15cm in diameter. White to tan in colour, smooth in texture
but sometimes has remnants of the universal veil on it's surface (see
picture). Darker coloured towards the centre.
Gills: Free from stalk, white at first but turning pinkish at
maturity.
Spore print: Pinkish.
Stem: 5-20cm high and 1-3cm thick. Smooth and white. Slightly thicker
towards the base. Partial veil or ring absent. But has a prominent
volva or cup at the base as seen in the
pictures.
Edibility: Edible, best when young. BUT
CAUTION: I call this mushroom the amanita look-alike. The amanita
are a group of mushrooms that are not edible and some are deadly poisonous.
There are two characteristics that differentiate this mushroom from
amanitas, the pink spore print, (white in amanita) and the absence of the
partial veil or ring around the stem, (present in amanita). Also make sure
to see the cup or volva before picking it from the ground.
WARNING
Different people react differently to different mushrooms.
NEVER eat a wild mushroom without being 100% sure it is safe to do so.
Best Gourmet Mushrooms in New Zealand
Best Gourmet Mushrooms in New Zealand
Last Update
7 Feb 2007