Agaricus Amabillissimius
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

''Agaricus'' is a
genus Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus com ...
of
mushroom A mushroom or toadstool is the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above ground, on soil, or on its food source. ''Toadstool'' generally denotes one poisonous to humans. The standard for the name "mushroom" is t ...
s containing both
edible An edible item is any item that is safe for humans to eat. "Edible" is differentiated from "eatable" because it does not indicate how an item tastes, only whether it is fit to be eaten. Nonpoisonous items found in nature – such as some mushroo ...
and
poisonous Poison is a chemical substance that has a detrimental effect to life. The term is used in a wide range of scientific fields and industries, where it is often specifically defined. It may also be applied colloquially or figuratively, with a broa ...
species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''
Agaricus bisporus ''Agaricus bisporus'' is an edible basidiomycete mushroom native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It has two color states while immature – white and brown – both of which have various names, with additional names for the mature ...
'') and the field mushroom ('' A. campestris''), the dominant cultivated mushrooms of the West. Members of ''Agaricus'' are characterized by having a fleshy cap or pileus, from the underside of which grow a number of radiating plates or
gills A gill () is a respiratory organ that many aquatic organisms use to extract dissolved oxygen from water and to excrete carbon dioxide. The gills of some species, such as hermit crabs, have adapted to allow respiration on land provided they are ...
, on which are produced the naked
spore In biology, a spore is a unit of sexual or asexual reproduction that may be adapted for dispersal and for survival, often for extended periods of time, in unfavourable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycles of many plants, algae, f ...
s. They are distinguished from other members of their family,
Agaricaceae The Agaricaceae are a family of basidiomycete fungi and include the genus ''Agaricus'', as well as basidiomycetes previously classified in the families Tulostomataceae, Lepiotaceae, and Lycoperdaceae. Taxonomy The family Agaricaceae was publishe ...
, by their chocolate-brown spores. Members of ''Agaricus'' also have a stem or stipe, which elevates it above the object on which the mushroom grows, or substrate, and a
partial veil In mycology, a partial veil (also called an inner veil, to differentiate it from the "outer", or universal veil) is a temporary structure of tissue found on the fruiting bodies of some basidiomycete fungi, typically agarics. Its role is to isolate ...
, which protects the developing gills and later forms a ring or
annulus Annulus (or anulus) or annular indicates a ring- or donut-shaped area or structure. It may refer to: Human anatomy * ''Anulus fibrosus disci intervertebralis'', spinal structure * Annulus of Zinn, a.k.a. annular tendon or ''anulus tendineus com ...
on the stalk. The genus contains the most widely consumed and best-known mushroom today, '' A. bisporus'', with '' A. arvensis'', '' A. campestris'' and '' A. subrufescens'' also being well-known and highly regarded. '' A. porphyrocephalus'' is a choice edible when young, and many others are edible as well, namely members of sections ''Agaricus, Arvense, Duploannulatae'' and ''Sanguinolenti''. A notable group of poisonous ''Agaricus'' is the
clade A clade (), also known as a monophyletic group or natural group, is a group of organisms that are monophyletic – that is, composed of a common ancestor and all its lineal descendants – on a phylogenetic tree. Rather than the English term, ...
around the yellow-staining mushroom, '' A. xanthodermus''. One species reported from Africa, '' A. aurantioviolaceus'', is reportedly deadly poisonous. Far more dangerous is the fact that ''Agaricus'', when still young and most valuable for eating, are easily confused with several deadly species of ''
Amanita The genus ''Amanita'' contains about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic known mushrooms found worldwide, as well as some well-regarded edible species. This genus is responsible for approximately 95% of the fatalities result ...
'' (in particular the species collectively called "
destroying angel The name destroying angel applies to several similar, closely related species of deadly all-white mushrooms in the genus ''Amanita''. They are ''Amanita bisporigera'' and '' A. ocreata'' in eastern and western North America, respectively, and '' ...
s", as well as the white form of the appropriately-named "death cap" ''
Amanita phalloides ''Amanita phalloides'' (), commonly known as the death cap, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus ''Amanita''. Widely distributed across Europe, but now sprouting in other parts of the world, ''A. phalloides ...
''), as well as some other highly poisonous fungi. An easy way to recognize ''Amanita'' is the gills, which remain whitish at all times in that genus. In ''Agaricus'', by contrast, the gills are only initially white, turning dull pink as they mature, and eventually the typical chocolate-brown as the spores are released. Even so, ''Agaricus'' should generally be avoided by inexperienced collectors, since other harmful species are not as easily recognized, and clearly recognizable mature ''Agaricus'' are often too soft and maggot-infested for eating. When collecting ''Agaricus'' for food, it is important to identify every individual specimen with certainty, since one ''Amanita'' fungus of the most poisonous species is sufficient to kill an adult human – even the shed spores of a discarded specimen are suspected to cause life-threatening poisoning. Confusing poisonous ''Amanita'' with an edible ''Agaricus'' is the most frequent cause of fatal
mushroom poisoning Mushroom poisoning is poisoning resulting from the ingestion of mushrooms that contain toxic substances. Its symptoms can vary from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to death in about 10 days. Mushroom toxins are secondary metabolites produced by ...
s world-wide. Reacting to some distributors marketing dried agaricus or agaricus extract to cancer patients, it has been identified by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or US FDA) is a List of United States federal agencies, federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA is respon ...
as a "fake cancer 'cure. The species most often sold as such
quack cure Quackery, often synonymous with health fraud, is the promotion of fraudulent or ignorant medical practices. A quack is a "fraudulent or ignorant pretender to medical skill" or "a person who pretends, professionally or publicly, to have skill, ...
s is ''A. subrufescens'', which is often referred to by the erroneous name "Agaricus Blazei" and advertised by fanciful trade names such as "God's mushroom" or "mushroom of life", but can cause allergic reactions and even liver damage if consumed in excessive amounts.


Etymology and nomenclature

Several origins of genus name ''Agaricus'' have been proposed. It possibly originates from ancient
Sarmatia Europaea The Sarmatians (; grc, Σαρμαται, Sarmatai; Latin: ) were a large confederation of ancient Eastern Iranian equestrian nomadic peoples of classical antiquity who dominated the Pontic steppe from about the 3rd century BC to the 4th centur ...
, where people Agari, promontory Agarum and a river Agarus were known (all located on the northern shore of
Sea of Azov The Sea of Azov ( Crimean Tatar: ''Azaq deñizi''; russian: Азовское море, Azovskoye more; uk, Азовське море, Azovs'ke more) is a sea in Eastern Europe connected to the Black Sea by the narrow (about ) Strait of Kerch, ...
, probably, near modern
Berdiansk Berdiansk or Berdyansk ( uk, Бердя́нськ, translit=Berdiansk, ; russian: Бердя́нск, translit=Berdyansk ) is a port city in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Oblast, province) in south-eastern Ukraine. It is on the northern coast of the ...
in Ukraine). Note also Greek , agarikón, "a sort of tree fungus" (There has been an ''Agaricon'' Adans. genus, treated by Donk in ''Persoonia'' 1:180.) For many years, members of the genus ''Agaricus'' were given the generic name ''Psalliota'', and this can still be seen in older books on mushrooms. All proposals to conserve ''Agaricus'' against ''Psalliota'' or vice versa have so far been considered superfluous. Dok reports Linnaeus' name is devalidated (so the proper author citation apparently is "L. ''per'' Fr., 1821") because ''Agaricus'' was not linked to Tournefort's name. Linnaeus places both ''Agaricus'' Dill. and ''Amanita'' Dill. in synonymy, but truly a replacement for ''Amanita'' Dill., which would require ''A. quercinus'', not ''A. campestris'' be the type. This question is compounded because
Fries French fries (North American English), chips (British English), finger chips (Indian English), french-fried potatoes, or simply fries, are '' batonnet'' or ''allumette''-cut deep-fried potatoes of disputed origin from Belgium and France. The ...
himself used ''Agaricus'' roughly in Linnaeus' sense (which leads to issues with ''Amanita''), and ''A. campestris'' was eventually excluded from ''Agaricus'' by Karsten and was apparently in ''Lepiota'' at the time Donk wrote this, commenting that a type conservation might become necessary. The alternate name for the genus, ''Psalliota'', derived from the
Greek Greek may refer to: Greece Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group. *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family. **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor ...
''psalion''/ψάλιον, "ring", was first published by Fries (1821) as trib. ''Psalliota''. The type is ''
Agaricus campestris ''Agaricus campestris'' is a widely eaten gilled mushroom closely related to the cultivated button mushroom ''Agaricus bisporus''. It is commonly known as the field mushroom or, in North America, meadow mushroom. Taxonomy This species was orig ...
'' (widely accepted, except by Earle, who proposed ''A. cretaceus'').
Paul Kummer Paul Kummer (22 August 1834 – 6 December 1912) was a minister, teacher, and scientist in Zerbst, Germany, known chiefly for his contribution to mycological nomenclature. Earlier classification of agarics by pioneering fungal taxonomist Elias Ma ...
(not Quélet, who merely excluded Stropharia) was the first to elevate the tribe to a genus. ''Psalliota'' was the tribe containing the type of ''Agaricus'', so when separated, it should have caused the rest of the genus to be renamed, but this is not what happened.


Systematics and taxonomy

The use of
phylogenetic In biology, phylogenetics (; from Greek φυλή/ φῦλον [] "tribe, clan, race", and wikt:γενετικός, γενετικός [] "origin, source, birth") is the study of the evolutionary history and relationships among or within groups o ...
analysis to determine evolutionary relationships amongst ''Agaricus'' species has increased the understanding of this taxonomically difficult genus, although much work remains to be done to fully delineate infrageneric relationships. Prior to these analyses, the genus ''Agaricus'', as circumscribed by
Rolf Singer Rolf Singer (June 23, 1906 – January 18, 1994) was a Germany, German-born mycologist and one of the most important Taxonomy (biology), taxonomists of gilled mushrooms (agarics) in the 20th century. After receiving his Ph.D. at the University ...
, was divided into 42 species grouped into five sections based on reactions of mushroom tissue to air or various chemical reagents, as well as subtle differences in mushroom morphology. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis demonstrated this classification scheme needed revision.


Subdivisions

As of 2018, this genus is divided into 6
subgenera In biology, a subgenus (plural: subgenera) is a taxonomic rank directly below genus. In the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, a subgeneric name can be used independently or included in a species name, in parentheses, placed between t ...
and more than 20
sections Section, Sectioning or Sectioned may refer to: Arts, entertainment and media * Section (music), a complete, but not independent, musical idea * Section (typography), a subdivision, especially of a chapter, in books and documents ** Section sig ...
: Bon, Marcel (1987) ''The Mushrooms and Toadstools of Britain and North Western Europe''. Hodder and Stoughton, (paperback) (hardback) Subgenus ''
Agaricus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * Section ''Agaricus'' :This is the group around the
type species In zoological nomenclature, a type species (''species typica'') is the species name with which the name of a genus or subgenus is considered to be permanently taxonomically associated, i.e., the species that contains the biological type specimen ...
of the genus, the popular edible '' A. campestris'' which is common across the
Holarctic The Holarctic realm is a biogeographic realm that comprises the majority of habitats found throughout the continents in the Northern Hemisphere. It corresponds to the floristic Boreal Kingdom. It includes both the Nearctic zoogeographical region ...
temperate zone In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout t ...
, and has been introduced to some other regions. One of the more ancient lineages of the genus, it contains species typically found in open grassland such as '' A. cupreobrunneus'', and it also includes at least one undescribed species. Their cap surface is whitish to pale reddish-brown and smooth to slightly fibrous, the flesh usually without characteristic smell, fairly soft, whitish, and remaining so after injury, application of KOH, or Schäffer's test (
aniline Aniline is an organic compound with the formula C6 H5 NH2. Consisting of a phenyl group attached to an amino group, aniline is the simplest aromatic amine In organic chemistry, an aromatic amine is an organic compound consisting of an aroma ...
and HNO3). '' A. annae'' may also belong here, as might '' A. porphyrocephalus'', but the flesh of the latter blushes red when bruised or cut, and it has an unpleasant smell of rotten fish when old; these traits are generally associated with subgenus ''Pseudochitonia'', in particular section ''Chitonioides''. The '' A. bresadolanus/ radicatus/ romagnesii'' group which may be one or several species is sometimes placed here, but may be quite distinct and belong to subgenus ''Spissicaules''. Subgenus '' Flavoagaricus'' * Section ''Arvense'' Konrad & Maubl. (sometimes named ''Arvensis'') :Traditionally contained about 20 rather large species similar to the horse mushroom '' A. arvensis'' in six subgroups. Today, several additional species are recognized – in particular in the ''A. arvensis''
species complex In biology, a species complex is a group of closely related organisms that are so similar in appearance and other features that the boundaries between them are often unclear. The taxa in the complex may be able to hybridize readily with each oth ...
– and placed here, such as '' A. aestivalis'', '' A. augustus'', '' A. caroli'', '' A. chionodermus'', '' A. deserticola'' (formerly ''Longula texensis''), '' A. fissuratus'', '' A. inapertus'' (formerly ''
Endoptychum ''Endoptychum'' is a genus of secotioid fungi in the family Agaricaceae. Like the majority of secotioid taxa, the individual species of ''Endoptychum'' are thought to be recent mutations from agaricoid species, hence, ''Endoptychum'' is likely no ...
depressum''), '' A. macrocarpus'', '' A. nivescens'', '' A. osecanus'', '' A. silvicola'' and the doubtfully distinct '' A. essettei'', '' A. urinascens'', and the disputed
taxa In biology, a taxon (back-formation from ''taxonomy''; plural taxa) is a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen by taxonomists to form a unit. Although neither is required, a taxon is usually known by a particular nam ...
'' A. abruptibulbus'', '' A. albertii'', '' A. altipes'', '' A. albolutescens'', '' A. brunneolus'', '' A. excellens'' and '' A. macrosporus''. It also includes '' A. subrufescens'' which started to be widely grown and traded under various obsolete and newly-invented names in the early 21st century, as well as the
Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...
n '' A. blazei'' with which the
Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...
ian ''A. subrufescens'' was often confused in the past. They have versatile
heterothallic Heterothallic species have sexes that reside in different individuals. The term is applied particularly to distinguish heterothallic fungi, which require two compatible partners to produce sexual spores, from homothallic ones, which are capable of ...
life cycles, are found in a variety of often rather
arid A region is arid when it severely lacks available water, to the extent of hindering or preventing the growth and development of plant and animal life. Regions with arid climates tend to lack vegetation and are called xeric or desertic. Most ar ...
habitats, and typically have a smooth white to scaly light brown cap. The flesh, when bruised, usually turns distinctly yellow to pinkish in particular on the cap, while the end of the stalk may remain white; a marked yellow stain is caused by applying KOH. Their sweetish smell of
aniseed Anise (; '), also called aniseed or rarely anix is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to Eurasia. The flavor and aroma of its seeds have similarities with some other spices and herbs, such as star anise, fennel, licorice, and tar ...
or
marzipan Marzipan is a confectionery, confection consisting primarily of sugar, honey, and almond meal (ground almonds), sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract. It is often made into Confectionery, sweets; common uses are chocolate-covered marzi ...
due to
benzaldehyde Benzaldehyde (C6H5CHO) is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring with a formyl substituent. It is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and one of the most industrially useful. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic almond-like odor. ...
and derived compounds distinguishes them from the section ''Xanthodermatei'', as does a bright dark-orange to brownish-red coloration in Schäffer's test. Many members of this subgenus are highly regarded as food, and even medically beneficial, but at least some are known to accumulate
cadmium Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. This soft, silvery-white metal is chemically similar to the two other stable metals in group 12, zinc and mercury. Like zinc, it demonstrates oxidation state +2 in most of ...
and other highly toxic chemicals from the environment, and may not always be safe to eat. Subgenus '' Minores'' :A group of buff-white to reddish-brown species. Often delicate and slender, the typical members of this subgenus do not resemble the larger ''Agaricus'' species at a casual glance, but have the same telltale chocolate-brown gills at spore maturity. Their flesh has a barely noticeable to pronounced sweetish smell, typically
almond The almond (''Prunus amygdalus'', syn. ''Prunus dulcis'') is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus ...
-like, turns yellowish to brownish-red when cut or bruised at least in the lower stalk, yellow to orange with KOH, and orange to red in Schäffer's test. Species such as '' A. aridicola'' (formerly known as '' Gyrophragmium dunalii''), '' A. colpeteii'', '' A. columellatus'' (formerly ''Araneosa columellata''), '' A. diminutivus'', '' A. dulcidulus'', '' A. lamelliperditus'', '' A. luteomaculatus'', '' A. porphyrizon'', '' A. semotus'' and '' A. xantholepis'' are included here, but delimitation to and indeed distinctness from subgenus ''Flavoagaricus'' is a long-standing controversy. Unlike these however, subgenus ''Minores'' contains no choice edible species, and may even include some slightly poisonous ones; most are simply too small to make collecting them for food worthwhile, and their edibility is unknown. * Section '' Leucocarpi'' :Includes '' A. leucocarpus''. * Section '' Minores'' :Includes '' A. comtulus'' and '' A. huijsmanii''. * Unnamed section :Includes '' A. candidolutescens'' and an undescribed relative. Subgenus '' Minoriopsis'' :Somewhat reminiscent of subgenus ''Minores'' and like it closely related to subgenus ''Flavoagaricus'', it contains species such as '' A. martinicensis'' and '' A. rufoaurantiacus''. Subgenus '' Pseudochitonia'' :This highly diverse clade of mid-sized to largish species makes up much the bulk of the genus' extant diversity, and this subgenus contains numerous as of yet undescribed species. It includes both the most prized edible as well as the most notoriously poisonous ''Agaricus'', and some of its sections are in overall appearance more similar to the more distantly related ''Agaricus'' proper and ''Flavoagaricus'' than to their own closest relatives. Some species in this subgenus, such as '' A. goossensiae'' and '' A. rodmanii'', are not yet robustly assigned to one of the sections. * Section '' Bohusia'' :Includes '' A. bohusii'' which resembles one of the dark-capped ''Flavoagaricus'' or ''Xanthodermatei'' but does not stain yellow with the standard (10%) KOH testing solution. It is a woodland species, edible when young, but when mature and easily distinguished from similar species it may be slightly poisonous. Other members of this section include '' A. crassisquamosus'', '' A. haematinus'', and '' A. pseudolangei''. * Section '' Brunneopicti'' :A section notable for containing a considerable number of undescribed species in addition to '' A. bingensis'', '' A. brunneopictus'', '' A. brunneosquamulosus'', '' A. chiangmaiensis'', '' A. duplocingulatus'', '' A. megacystidiatus'', '' A. niveogranulatus'', '' A. sordidocarpus'', '' A. subsaharianus'', and '' A. toluenolens''. * Section '' Chitonioides'' :Contains species such as '' A. bernardii'' and the doubtfully distinct '' A. bernardiiformis'', '' A. gennadii'', '' A. nevoi'', '' A. pequinii'', '' A. pilosporus'' and '' A. rollanii'', which strongly resemble the members of section ''Duploannulatae'' and are as widely distributed. However, their flesh tends to discolor more strongly red when bruised or cut, with the discoloration slowly getting stronger. Their smell is usually also more pronounced
umami Umami ( from ja, 旨味 ), or savoriness, is one of the five basic tastes. It has been described as savory and is characteristic of broths and cooked meats. People taste umami through taste receptors that typically respond to glutamates and ...
-like, in some even intensely so. Some are edible and indeed considered especially well-tasting, while the unusual '' A. maleolens'' which may also belong here has an overpowering aroma which renders it inedible except perhaps in small amounts as a vegan
fish sauce Fish sauce is a liquid condiment made from fish or krill that have been coated in salt and fermented for up to two years. It is used as a staple seasoning in East Asian cuisine and Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, P ...
substitute. * Section '' Crassispori'' :Related to section ''Xanthodermatei'' as traditionally circumscribed, it includes such species as '' A. campestroides'', '' A. lamellidistans'', and '' A. variicystis''. * Section '' Cymbiformes'' He, Chuankid, Hyde, Cheewangkoon & Zhao :A section proposed in 2018, it is closely related to the traditional section ''Xanthodermatei''. The type species '' A. angusticystidiatus'' from
Thailand Thailand ( ), historically known as Siam () and officially the Kingdom of Thailand, is a country in Southeast Asia, located at the centre of the Indochinese Peninsula, spanning , with a population of almost 70 million. The country is bo ...
is a smallish beige ''Agaricus'' with characteristic boat-shaped
basidiospore A basidiospore is a reproductive spore produced by Basidiomycete fungi, a grouping that includes mushrooms, shelf fungi, rusts, and smuts. Basidiospores typically each contain one haploid nucleus that is the product of meiosis, and they are pro ...
s. It has a strong unpleasant smell like members of section ''Xanthodermatei'', but unlike these, its flesh does not change color when bruised, but turns dark reddish-brown when cut, and neither application of KOH nor Schäffer's test elicit a change in color. * Section '' Duploannulatae'' (also known as section '' Bivelares'' or '' Hortenses'') :Traditionally often included in section ''Agaricus'' as subsection ''Bitorques'', it seems to belong to a much younger radiation. It unites robust species, usually with a thick, almost fleshy ring, which inhabit diverse but often nutrient-rich locations. Some are well-known edibles; as they are frequently found along roads and in similar polluted places, they may not be safe to eat if collected from the wild. Their flesh is rather firm, white, with no characteristic smell, in some species turning markedly reddish when bruised or cut (though this may soon fade again), and generally changing color barely if at all after application of KOH or Schäffer's test. Based on DNA analysis of
ITS1 Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is the spacer DNA situated between the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and large-subunit rRNA genes in the chromosome or the corresponding transcribed region in the polycistronic rRNA precursor transcript. I ...
, ITS2, and 5.8S sequences, the studied species of this section could be divided into six distinct clades, four of which correspond to well-known species from the
temperate In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout t ...
Northern Hemisphere The Northern Hemisphere is the half of Earth that is north of the Equator. For other planets in the Solar System, north is defined as being in the same celestial hemisphere relative to the invariable plane of the solar system as Earth's Nort ...
: '' A. bisporus'', '' A. bitorquis'' (and the doubtfully distinct '' A. edulis''), '' A. cupressicola'' and '' A. vaporarius''. The other two clades comprise the '' A. devoniensis'' (including '' A. subperonatus'') and '' A. subfloccosus'' (including '' A. agrinferus'')
species complex In biology, a species complex is a group of closely related organisms that are so similar in appearance and other features that the boundaries between them are often unclear. The taxa in the complex may be able to hybridize readily with each oth ...
es. Additional members of this section not included in that study are '' A. cappellianus'', '' A. cupressophilus'', '' A. subsubensis'', '' A. taeniatus'', '' A. tlaxcalensis'', and at least one undescribed species. The cultivated mushrooms traded as '' A. sinodeliciosus'' also belong here, though their relationship to the ''A. devoniensis'' complex and ''A. vaporarius'' is unclear. * Section '' Flocculenti'' :Includes '' A. erectosquamosus'' and '' A. pallidobrunneus''; a more distant undescribed relative of these two may also belong in this section. * Section '' Hondenses'' (disputed) :Traditionally included in section ''Xanthodermatei'' ''
sensu lato ''Sensu'' is a Latin word meaning "in the sense of". It is used in a number of fields including biology, geology, linguistics, semiotics, and law. Commonly it refers to how strictly or loosely an expression is used in describing any particular co ...
'', this clade may be included therein as the most basal branch, or considered a section in its own right. It includes such species as '' A. biannulatus'', '' A. freirei'' and its North American relatives '' A. grandiomyces'', '' A. hondensis'', and probably also '' A. phaeolepidotus''. They are very similar to section ''Xanthodermatei'' ''
sensu stricto ''Sensu'' is a Latin word meaning "in the sense of". It is used in a number of fields including biology, geology, linguistics, semiotics, and law. Commonly it refers to how strictly or loosely an expression is used in describing any particular co ...
'' in all aspects, except for a weaker discoloration tending towards reddish rather than
chrome yellow __NOTOC__ Chrome yellow is a yellow pigment in paints using monoclinic lead(II) chromate (PbCrO4). It occurs naturally as the mineral crocoite but the mineral ore itself was never used as a pigment for paint. After the French chemist Louis Vau ...
when bruised. * Section '' Nigrobrunnescentes'' :Includes '' A. biberi'', '' A. caballeroi'', '' A. desjardinii'', '' A. erthyrosarx'', '' A. fuscovelatus'', '' A. nigrobrunnescens'', '' A. padanus'', '' A. pattersoniae'', and probably also '' A. boisselettii''. * Section '' Rubricosi'' :Includes '' A. dolichopus'', '' A. kunmingensis'', '' A. magnivelaris'', '' A. variabilicolor'', and at least two undescribed species. * Section '' Sanguinolenti'' :Usually found in woodland. Brownish cap with a fibrous surface, typically felt-like but sometimes scaly. The fairly soft flesh turns pink, blood-red or orange when cut or scraped, in particular the outer layer of the stalk, but does not change color after application of KOH or Schäffer's test. Some North American species traditionally placed here, such as '' A. amicosus'' and '' A. brunneofibrillosus'', do not seem to be closely related to the section's type species '' A. silvaticus'' (including ''A. haemorrhoidarius'' which is sometimes considered a distinct species), and represent at least a distinct subsection. Other species often placed in this section are '' A. benesii'', '' A. dilutibrunneus'', '' A. impudicus'', '' A. koelerionensis'', '' A. langei'' and '' A. variegans''; not all of these may actually belong here. They are generally (though not invariably) regarded as edible and tasty. * Section '' Trisulphurati'' (disputed) :Includes the '' A. trisulphuratus'' species complex which is often placed in genus ''
Cystoagaricus ''Cystoagaricus'' is a genus of fungi in the family Psathyrellaceae. The genus contains four species found in subtropical America. The genus was circumscribed by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1947, with '' Cystoagaricus strobilomyces'' as the type spe ...
'', but seems to be a true ''Agaricus'' closely related to the traditional section ''Xanthodermatei''. Their stalk is typically bright yellow-orange, quite unlike that of other ''Agaricus'', as is the scaly cap. ''A.trisulphuratus'' was the type species of the obsolete
polyphyletic A polyphyletic group is an assemblage of organisms or other evolving elements that is of mixed evolutionary origin. The term is often applied to groups that share similar features known as homoplasies, which are explained as a result of converg ...
subgenus ''Lanagaricus'', whose former species are now placed in various other sections. * Section '' Xanthodermatei'' :As outlined by Singer in 1948, this section includes species with various characteristics similar to the type species '' A. xanthodermus''. The section forms a single
clade A clade (), also known as a monophyletic group or natural group, is a group of organisms that are monophyletic – that is, composed of a common ancestor and all its lineal descendants – on a phylogenetic tree. Rather than the English term, ...
based on analysis of ITS1+2. They are either bright white all over, or have a cap densely flecked with brownish scales or tufts of fibers. The ring is usually large but thin and veil-like. Most inhabit woodland, and in general they have a more or less pronounced unpleasant smell of
phenol Phenol (also called carbolic acid) is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula . It is a white crystalline solid that is volatile. The molecule consists of a phenyl group () bonded to a hydroxy group (). Mildly acidic, it req ...
ic compounds such as
hydroquinone Hydroquinone, also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol, is an aromatic organic compound that is a type of phenol, a derivative of benzene, having the chemical formula C6H4(OH)2. It has two hydroxyl groups bonded to a benzene ring in a ''para'' ...
. As food, they should all be avoided, because even though they are occasionally reported to be eaten without ill effect, the chemicals they contain give them a acrid, metallic taste, especially when cooked, and are liable to cause severe gastrointestinal upset. Their flesh at least in the lower stalk turns pale yellow to intensely reddish-ochre when bruised or cut; more characteristic however is the a bright yellow reaction with KOH while Schäffer's test is negative. Apart from ''A. xanthodermus'', the core group of this section contains species such as '' A. atrodiscus'', '' A. californicus'', '' A. endoxanthus'' and the doubtfully distinct '' A. rotalis'', '' A. fuscopunctatus'', '' A. iodosmus'', '' A. laskibarii'', '' A. microvolvatulus'', '' A. menieri'', '' A. moelleri'', '' A. murinocephalus'', '' A. parvitigrinus'', '' A. placomyces'', '' A. pocillator'', '' A. pseudopratensis'', '' A. tibetensis'', '' A. tollocanensis'', '' A. tytthocarpus'', '' A. xanthodermulus'', '' A. xanthosarcus'', as well as at least 4 undescribed species, and possibly '' A. cervinifolius'' and the doubtfully distinct '' A. infidus''. Whether such species as '' A. bisporiticus'', '' A. nigrogracilis'' and '' A. pilatianus'' are more closely related to the mostly
Eurasia Eurasia (, ) is the largest continental area on Earth, comprising all of Europe and Asia. Primarily in the Northern and Eastern Hemispheres, it spans from the British Isles and the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Japanese archipelago a ...
n core group, or to the more basal lineage here separated as section ''Hondenses'', requires clarification. Subgenus '' Spissicaules'' :The flesh of members of this subgenus tends to turn more or less pronouncedly yellowish in the lower stalk, where the skin is often rough and scaly, and reddish in the cap. They typically resemble the darker members of subgenus ''Flavoagaricus'', with a sweet smell and mild taste; like that subgenus, ''Spissicaules'' belongs to the smaller of the two main groups of the genus, but they form entirely different branch therein. While some species are held to be edible, others are considered unappetizing or even slightly poisonous. Also includes '' A. lanipes'' and '' A. maskae'', which probably belong to section ''Rarolentes'' or ''Spissicaules'', and possibly also '' A. bresadolanus'' and its doubtfully distinct relatives '' A. radicatus/ romagnesii''. * Section '' Amoeni'' :Includes '' A. amoenus'' and '' A. gratolens''. * Section '' Rarolentes'' :Includes '' A. albosquamosus'' and '' A. leucolepidotus''. * Section '' Spissicaules'' ( Hainem.) Kerrigan :Includes species such as '' A. leucotrichus/ litoralis'' (of which ''A. spissicaulis'' is a synonym, but see also Geml ''et al.'' 2004) and '' A. litoraloides''. Most significantly, some species have a persistent and unpleasant rotting-wood smell entirely unlike the sweet aroma of ''Flavoagaricus'', and while not known to be poisonous, are certainly unpalatable. * Section '' Subrutilescentes'' :Includes '' A. brunneopilatus'', '' A. linzhinensis'' and '' A. subrutilescens''. Somewhat similar to section ''Sanguinolenti'' or the dark-capped species of section ''Xanthodermatei'', but the flesh does not show a pronounced red or yellow color change when cut or bruised. Edibility is disputed.


Selected species

The fungal genus ''Agaricus'' as late as 2008 was believed to contain about 200 species worldwide but since then,
molecular phylogenetic Molecular phylogenetics () is the branch of phylogeny that analyzes genetic, hereditary molecular differences, predominantly in DNA sequences, to gain information on an organism's evolutionary relationships. From these analyses, it is possible to ...
studies have revalidated several disputed species, as well as resolved some
species complex In biology, a species complex is a group of closely related organisms that are so similar in appearance and other features that the boundaries between them are often unclear. The taxa in the complex may be able to hybridize readily with each oth ...
es, and aided in discovery and description of a wide range of mostly tropical species that were formerly unknown to science. As of 2020, the genus is believed to contain no less than 400 species, and possibly many more. The
medicinal mushroom Medicinal fungi are fungi that contain metabolites or can be induced to produce metabolites through biotechnology to develop prescription drugs. Compounds successfully developed into drugs or under research include antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, ...
known in Japan as '' Echigoshirayukidake'' (越後白雪茸) was initially also thought to be an ''Agaricus'', either a subspecies of ''Agaricus "blazei"'' (i.e. '' A. subrufescens''), or a new species. It was eventually identified as
sclerotium A sclerotium (; (), is a compact mass of hardened fungal mycelium containing food reserves. One role of sclerotia is to survive environmental extremes. In some higher fungi such as ergot, sclerotia become detached and remain dormant until favo ...
of the crust-forming bark fungus ''
Ceraceomyces ''Ceraceomyces'' is a genus of fungi in the family Amylocorticiaceae. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains 16 species. Species *''Ceraceomyces borealis'' *''Ceraceomyces cerebrosus'' *''Ceraceomyces corymbatus'' *''Ceraceomyces c ...
tessulatus'', which is not particularly closely related to ''Agaricus''. Several
secotioid Secotioid fungi are an intermediate growth form between mushroom-like hymenomycetes and closed bag-shaped gasteromycetes, where an evolutionary process of gasteromycetation has started but not run to completion. Secotioid fungi may or may not ha ...
(
puffball Puffballs are a type of fungus featuring a ball-shaped fruit body that bursts on impact, releasing a cloud of dust-like spores when mature. Puffballs belong to the division Basidiomycota and encompass several genera, including ''Calvatia'', ''Ca ...
-like) fungi have in recent times be recognized as highly aberrant members of Agaricus'', and are now included here. These typically inhabit
desert A desert is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. The lack of vegetation exposes the unprotected surface of the ground to denudation. About on ...
s where few fungi – and even fewer of the familiar cap-and-stalk mushroom shape – grow. Another desert species, ''A. zelleri'', was erroneously placed in the present genus and is now known as '' Gyrophragmium californicum''. In addition, the scientific names ''Agaricus'' and – even more so – ''Psalliota'' were historically often used as a "
wastebasket taxon Wastebasket taxon (also called a wastebin taxon, dustbin taxon or catch-all taxon) is a term used by some taxonomists to refer to a taxon that has the sole purpose of classifying organisms that do not fit anywhere else. They are typically defined ...
" for any and all similar mushrooms, regardless of their actual relationships. Species either confirmed or suspected to belong into this genus include: * ''
Agaricus abramsii ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' *  ''
Agaricus abruptibulbus ''Agaricus abruptibulbus'' is a species of mushroom in the genus ''Agaricus''. It is commonly known as the abruptly-bulbous agaricus or the flat-bulb mushroom. First described by the mycologist Charles Horton Peck, this bulbous-stemmed edible sp ...
'' – abruptly-bulbous agaricus, flat-bulb mushroom (disputed) *  ''
Agaricus aestivalis ''Agaricus aestivalis'' is a species of Fungus, fungi in the genus ''Agaricus''. They are found in Germany and are edible. They usually have a diameter of . Description The cap measurement averages 5-10 cm across. Its color can range from whit ...
'' * ''
Agaricus agrinferus ''Agaricus agrinferus'' is a species of fungi in the genus ''Agaricus'' . ''Agaricus agrinferus'' is found in the northern hemisphere in places such as California California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located al ...
'' (disputed) * ''
Agaricus agrocyboides ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus alabamensis'' * '' Agaricus alachuanus'' * '' Agaricus albidoperonatus'' * ''
Agaricus albertii ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bis ...
''
Bon ''Bon'', also spelled Bön () and also known as Yungdrung Bon (, "eternal Bon"), is a Tibetan religious tradition with many similarities to Tibetan Buddhism and also many unique features.Samuel 2012, pp. 220-221. Bon initially developed in t ...
(1988)
(disputed) * ''
Agaricus alboargillascens ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus alboides ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' *  ''
Agaricus albolutescens ''Agaricus albolutescens'' is a moderate-sized, stocky-statured mushroom with a pleasant odor; it bruises slowly but persistently yellow. This character distinguishes it from other ''Agaricus'' species, such as ''Agaricus xanthodermus'', a mildly ...
'' (disputed) * ''
Agaricus albosanguineus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible mushroom, edible and poisonous mushroom, poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ...
'' * '' Agaricus albosquamosus'' * '' Agaricus alligator'' *  ''
Agaricus altipes ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible mushroom, edible and poisonous mushroom, poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ...
'' Møller (often united with ''A.aestivalis'') * '' Agaricus amanitiformis'' *  '' Agaricus amicosus'' * ''
Agaricus amoenomyces ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible mushroom, edible and poisonous mushroom, poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ...
'' * ''
Agaricus amoenus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible mushroom, edible and poisonous mushroom, poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ...
'' *  ''
Agaricus andrewii ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bis ...
'' Freeman * '' Agaricus angelicus'' * ''
Agaricus angusticystidiatus ''Agaricus angusticystidiatus'' is a species of fungus in the family Agaricaceae The Agaricaceae are a family of basidiomycete fungi and include the genus ''Agaricus'', as well as basidiomycetes previously classified in the families Tulostomat ...
'' * '' Agaricus anisarius'' * ''
Agaricus annae ''Agaricus annae'' is a species of mushroom in the genus ''Agaricus''.Pilát A. (1951). ''The Bohemian species of the genus'' Agaricus. Prague, 142 pp. This species is in the family Agaricaceae The Agaricaceae are a family of basidiomycete fung ...
'' * '' Agaricus annulospecialis'' * ''
Agaricus approximans ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus arcticus'' * '' Agaricus argenteopurpureus'' * ''
Agaricus argenteus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus argentinus'' * '' Agaricus argyropotamicus'' * ''
Agaricus argyrotectus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus aridicola'' Geml, Geiser & Royse (2004) (formerly in '' Gyrophragmium'') * ''
Agaricus aristocratus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus arizonicus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus armandomyces'' * ''
Agaricus arorae ''Agaricus arorae'' is a moderate-sized, forest-dwelling mushroom that exhibits distinctive color changes. It fruits early in the mushroom season. Unusually within the genus ''Agaricus'', the mushroom's cap cuticle turns yellow when exposed to a ...
'' * ''
Agaricus arrillagarum ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' *  ''
Agaricus arvensis ''Agaricus arvensis'', commonly known as the horse mushroom, is a mushroom of the genus ''Agaricus''. Taxonomy It was species description, described as ''Agaricus arvensis'' by Jacob Christian Schaeffer in 1762, and given numerous binomial desc ...
'' – horse mushroom * ''
Agaricus atrodiscus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible mushroom, edible and poisonous mushroom, poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ...
'' *  ''
Agaricus augustus ''Agaricus augustus'', known commonly as the prince, is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus ''Agaricus''. Taxonomy According to Heinemann's (1978) popular division of ''Agaricus'', ''A. augustus'' belongs to section ''Arvenses''. The system pro ...
'' – the prince *  ''
Agaricus aurantioviolaceus ''Agaricus aurantioviolaceus'' is a species of fungus in the genus ''Agaricus''. Found in Africa, it was originally named as a species of ''Psalliota'' by mycologist Roger Heim in 1968. It was transferred to ''Agaricus'' in 1994. The mushroom is ...
'' * '' Agaricus auresiccescens'' * '' Agaricus australiensis'' * ''
Agaricus austrovinaceus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus azoetes ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus babosiae'' * ''
Agaricus badioniveus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bajan-agtensis ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * '' Agaricus balchaschensis'' * ''
Agaricus bambusae ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bambusophilus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible mushroom, edible and poisonous mushroom, poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ...
'' * ''
Agaricus basianulosus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus beelii ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bellanniae ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus benesii ''Agaricus benesii'' is an agaric mushroom of the genus ''Agaricus''. This mushroom can be distinguished by a white cap that bruises pinkish-red when injured, a scaly lower stipe, and a conifer habitat. Similar to ''Agaricus californicus'' and '' ...
'' * ''
Agaricus benzodorus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' *  ''
Agaricus bernardii ''Agaricus bernardii'', commonly called the salt-loving mushroom, is an agaric fungus in the family Agaricaceae. A short, squat mushroom, the thick stem is usually less than the diameter of the cap, which ranges from . Found in Asia, Europe, ...
'' – salt-loving mushroom * ''
Agaricus bernardiiformis ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' (disputed) * '' Agaricus berryessae'' * ''
Agaricus biannulatus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' Mua, L.A.Parra, Cappelli & Callac (2012) (Europe) * ''
Agaricus biberi ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bicortinatellus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bilamellatus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bingensis ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bisporatus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bisporiticus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bis ...
'' (Asia) *  ''
Agaricus bisporus ''Agaricus bisporus'' is an edible basidiomycete mushroom native to grasslands in Eurasia and North America. It has two color states while immature – white and brown – both of which have various names, with additional names for the mature ...
'' – cultivated/button/portobello mushroom (includes ''A.brunnescens'') *  ''
Agaricus bitorquis ''Agaricus bitorquis'' is an edible white mushroom of the genus ''Agaricus'', similar to the common button mushroom that is sold commercially. The name supersedes ''Agaricus rodmani''. It is also commonly known as torq, the banded agaric, spring ...
'' – pavement mushroom, banded agaric * '' Agaricus bivelatoides'' * ''
Agaricus bivelatus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus blatteus ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''Agaricus blazei'' Murrill (often confused with '' A. subrufescens'') * ''
Agaricus blockii ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''
Agaricus bobosi ''Agaricus'' is a genus of mushrooms containing both edible and poisonous species, with over 400 members worldwide and possibly again as many disputed or newly-discovered species. The genus includes the common ("button") mushroom (''Agaricus bisp ...
'' * ''Agaricus bohusianus'' L.A.Parra (2005) (Europe) * ''Agaricus bohusii'' * ''Agaricus boisselettii'' * ''Agaricus boltonii'' * ''Agaricus bonii'' * ''Agaricus bonussquamulosus'' * ''Agaricus brasiliensis'' Fr. (often confused with '' A. subrufescens'') * ''Agaricus bresadolanus'' * ''Agaricus bruchii'' *  ''Agaricus brunneofibrillosus'' (formerly in ''A.fuscofibrillosus'') * ''Agaricus brunneofulva'' * ''Agaricus brunneofulvus'' * ''Agaricus brunneolus'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus brunneopictus'' * ''Agaricus brunneopilatus'' * ''Agaricus brunneosquamulosus'' * ''Agaricus brunneostictus'' * ''Agaricus buckmacadooi'' * ''Agaricus bugandensis'' * ''Agaricus bukavuensis'' * ''Agaricus bulbillosus'' * ''Agaricus burkillii'' * ''Agaricus butyreburneus'' * ''Agaricus caballeroi'' L.A.Parra, G.Muñoz & Callac (2014) (Spain) * ''Agaricus caesifolius'' *  ''Agaricus californicus'' – California agaricus * ''Agaricus callacii'' * ''Agaricus calongei'' * ''Agaricus campbellensis'' *  ''
Agaricus campestris ''Agaricus campestris'' is a widely eaten gilled mushroom closely related to the cultivated button mushroom ''Agaricus bisporus''. It is commonly known as the field mushroom or, in North America, meadow mushroom. Taxonomy This species was orig ...
'' – field/meadow mushroom * ''Agaricus campestroides'' * ''Agaricus campigenus'' * ''Agaricus candidolutescens'' * ''Agaricus candussoi'' * ''Agaricus capensis'' * ''Agaricus cappellianus'' * ''Agaricus cappellii'' * ''Agaricus caribaeus'' * ''Agaricus carminescens'' * ''Agaricus carminostictus'' * ''Agaricus caroli'' * ''Agaricus catenariocystidiosus'' * ''Agaricus catenatus'' * ''Agaricus cellaris'' * ''Agaricus cervinifolius'' * ''Agaricus cerinupileus'' * ''Agaricus chacoensis'' * ''Agaricus chartaceus'' * ''Agaricus cheilotulus'' * ''Agaricus chiangmaiensis'' * ''Agaricus chionodermus''Pilát A. (1951). ''The Bohemian species of the genus'' Agaricus. Prague, 142 pp. * ''Agaricus chlamydopus'' * ''Agaricus chryseus'' * ''Agaricus cinnamomellus'' * ''Agaricus circumtectus'' * ''Agaricus ciscoensis'' * ''Agaricus citrinidiscus'' * ''Agaricus coccyginus'' * ''Agaricus collegarum'' * ''Agaricus colpeteii'' * ''Agaricus columellatus'' (formerly in ''Araneosa'') * ''Agaricus comptuloides'' * ''Agaricus comtulellus'' * ''Agaricus comtuliformis'' * ''Agaricus comtulus'' * ''Agaricus coniferarum'' * ''Agaricus cordillerensis'' * ''Agaricus crassisquamosus'' * ''Agaricus cretacellus'' * ''Agaricus cretaceus'' * ''Agaricus croceolutescens'' * ''Agaricus crocodilinus'' * ''Agaricus crocopeplus'' * ''Agaricus cruciquercorum'' * ''Agaricus cuniculicola'' *  ''Agaricus cupreobrunneus'' – brown field mushroom * ''Agaricus cupressicola'' * ''Agaricus cupressophilus'' Kerrigan (2008) (California) * ''Agaricus curanilahuensis'' * ''Agaricus cylindriceps'' * ''Agaricus deardorffensis'' * ''Agaricus dennisii'' * ''Agaricus depauperatus'' * ''Agaricus deplanatus'' *  ''Agaricus deserticola'' G.Moreno, Esqueda & Lizárraga (2010) – gasteroid agaricus (formerly in ''Longula'') * ''Agaricus desjardinii'' * ''Agaricus devoniensis'' * ''Agaricus diamantanus'' * ''Agaricus dicystis'' * ''Agaricus didymus'' * ''Agaricus dilatostipes'' * ''Agaricus dilutibrunneus'' * ''Agaricus diminutivus'' * ''Agaricus dimorphosquamatus'' * ''Agaricus diobensis'' * ''Agaricus diospyros'' * ''Agaricus dolichopus'' * ''Agaricus ducheminii'' *  ''Agaricus dulcidulus'' – rosy wood mushroom (sometimes in ''A.semotus'') * ''Agaricus duplocingulatus'' * ''Agaricus ealaensis'' * ''Agaricus earlei'' * ''Agaricus eastlandensis'' * ''Agaricus eburneocanus'' * ''Agaricus edmondoi'' * ''Agaricus elfinensis'' * ''Agaricus elongatestipes'' * ''Agaricus eludens'' * ''Agaricus endoxanthus'' * ''Agaricus entibigae'' * ''Agaricus erectosquamosus'' * ''Agaricus erindalensis'' * ''Agaricus erthyrosarx'' * ''Agaricus erythrotrichus'' * ''Agaricus essettei'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus eutheloides'' * ''Agaricus evertens'' *  ''Agaricus excellens'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus exilissimus'' * ''Agaricus eximius'' * ''Agaricus fiardii'' * ''Agaricus fibuloides'' * ''Agaricus ficophilus'' * ''Agaricus fimbrimarginatus'' * ''Agaricus fissuratus'' * ''Agaricus flammicolor'' * ''Agaricus flavicentrus'' * ''Agaricus flavidodiscus'' * ''Agaricus flavistipus'' * ''Agaricus flavitingens'' * ''Agaricus flavopileatus'' * ''Agaricus flavotingens'' * ''Agaricus flocculosipes'' * ''Agaricus floridanus'' * ''Agaricus fontanae'' * ''Agaricus fragilivolvatus'' * ''Agaricus freirei'' * ''Agaricus friesianus'' * ''Agaricus fulvoaurantiacus'' * ''Agaricus fuscofolius'' * ''Agaricus fuscopunctatus'' (Thailand) * ''Agaricus fuscovelatus'' * ''Agaricus gastronevadensis'' * ''Agaricus gemellatus'' * ''Agaricus gemlii'' * ''Agaricus gemloides'' * ''Agaricus gennadii'' * ''Agaricus gilvus'' * ''Agaricus glaber'' * ''Agaricus glabrus'' * ''Agaricus globocystidiatus'' * ''Agaricus globosporus'' * ''Agaricus goossensiae'' * ''Agaricus grandiomyces'' * ''Agaricus granularis'' * ''Agaricus gratolens'' * ''Agaricus greigensis'' * ''Agaricus greuteri'' * ''Agaricus griseicephalus'' * ''Agaricus griseopunctatus'' * ''Agaricus griseorimosus'' * ''Agaricus griseovinaceus'' * ''Agaricus guachari'' * ''Agaricus guidottii'' * ''Agaricus haematinus'' * ''Agaricus haematosarcus'' * ''Agaricus hahashimensis'' * ''Agaricus halophilus'' * ''Agaricus hannonii'' * ''Agaricus hanthanaensis'' * ''Agaricus heimii'' * ''Agaricus heinemannianus'' * ''Agaricus heinemanniensis'' * ''Agaricus heinemannii'' * ''Agaricus herinkii'' * ''Agaricus herradurensis'' * ''Agaricus heterocystis'' * ''Agaricus hillii'' * ''Agaricus hispidissimus'' *  ''Agaricus hondensis'' – felt-ringed agaricus * ''Agaricus horakianus'' * ''Agaricus horakii'' * ''Agaricus hornei'' * ''Agaricus hortensis'' * ''Agaricus huijsmanii'' Courtec. (2008) * ''Agaricus hupohanae'' * ''Agaricus hypophaeus'' * ''Agaricus iesu-et-marthae'' * ''Agaricus ignicolor'' * ''Agaricus ignobilis'' *  ''Agaricus impudicus'' – tufted wood mushroom * ''Agaricus inapertus'' (formerly in ''Endoptychum'') * ''Agaricus incultorum'' * ''Agaricus indistinctus'' * ''Agaricus inedulis'' * ''Agaricus infelix'' * ''Agaricus infidus'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus inilleasper'' * ''Agaricus inoxydabilis'' * ''Agaricus inthanonensis'' * ''Agaricus iocephalopsis'' * ''Agaricus iodolens'' * ''Agaricus iodosmus'' * ''Agaricus iranicus'' * ''Agaricus jacarandae'' * ''Agaricus jacobi'' * ''Agaricus jezoensis'' * ''Agaricus jingningensis'' * ''Agaricus jodoformicus'' * ''Agaricus johnstonii'' * ''Agaricus julius'' * ''Agaricus junquitensis'' * ''Agaricus kai'' * ''Agaricus kauffmanii'' * ''Agaricus kerriganii'' * ''Agaricus kiawetes'' * ''Agaricus kipukae'' * ''Agaricus kivuensis'' * ''Agaricus koelerionensis'' * ''Agaricus kriegeri'' * ''Agaricus kroneanus'' * ''Agaricus kuehnerianus'' * ''Agaricus kunmingensis'' * ''Agaricus lacrymabunda'' * ''Agaricus laeticulus'' * ''Agaricus lamellidistans'' * ''Agaricus lamelliperditus'' * ''Agaricus lanatoniger'' * ''Agaricus lanatorubescens'' * ''Agaricus langei'' (= ''A.fuscofibrillosus'') * ''Agaricus lanipedisimilis'' * ''Agaricus lanipes'' – European princess * ''Agaricus laparrae'' * ''Agaricus laskibarii'' * ''Agaricus lateriticolor'' * ''Agaricus leptocaulis'' * ''Agaricus leptomeleagris'' * ''Agaricus leucocarpus'' * ''Agaricus leucolepidotus'' *  ''Agaricus leucotrichus'' Møller (disputed) * ''Agaricus lignophilus'' *  ''Agaricus lilaceps'' – giant cypress agaricus * ''Agaricus linzhinensis'' * ''Agaricus litoralis'' – coastal mushroom (includes ''A.spissicaulis'') * ''Agaricus litoraloides'' * ''Agaricus lividonitidus'' * ''Agaricus lodgeae'' * ''Agaricus lotenensis'' * ''Agaricus lucifugus'' * ''Agaricus ludovicii'' * ''Agaricus lusitanicus'' * ''Agaricus luteofibrillosus'' * ''Agaricus luteoflocculosus'' * ''Agaricus luteomaculatus'' * ''Agaricus luteopallidus'' * ''Agaricus luteotactus'' * ''Agaricus lutosus'' * ''Agaricus luzonensis'' * ''Agaricus maclovianus'' * ''Agaricus macmurphyi'' * ''Agaricus macrocarpus'' * ''Agaricus macrolepis'' (Pilát & Pouzar) Boisselet & Courtec. (2008) *  ''Agaricus macrosporus'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus macrosporoides'' * ''Agaricus magni'' * ''Agaricus magniceps'' * ''Agaricus magnivelaris'' * ''Agaricus maiusculus'' * ''Agaricus malangelus'' * ''Agaricus maleolens'' * ''Agaricus mangaoensis'' * ''Agaricus manilensis'' * ''Agaricus marisae'' * ''Agaricus martineziensis'' * ''Agaricus martinicensis'' * ''Agaricus maskae'' * ''Agaricus masoalensis'' * ''Agaricus matrum'' * ''Agaricus medio-fuscus'' * ''Agaricus megacystidiatus'' * ''Agaricus megalosporus'' * ''Agaricus meijeri'' * ''Agaricus melanosporus'' *  ''Agaricus menieri'' * ''Agaricus merrillii'' * ''Agaricus mesocarpus'' * ''Agaricus microchlamidus'' *  ''Agaricus micromegathus'' * ''Agaricus microspermus'' * ''Agaricus microviolaceus'' * ''Agaricus microvolvatulus'' * ''Agaricus midnapurensis'' * ''Agaricus minimus'' * ''Agaricus minorpurpureus'' *   ''Agaricus moelleri'' – inky/dark-scaled mushroom (formerly in ''A.placomyces'', includes ''A.meleagris'') * ''Agaricus moellerianus'' * ''Agaricus moelleroides'' * ''Agaricus moronii'' * ''Agaricus multipunctum'' * ''Agaricus murinocephalus'' (Thailand) * ''Agaricus nanaugustus'' Kerrigan * ''Agaricus nebularum'' * ''Agaricus neimengguensis'' * ''Agaricus nemoricola'' * ''Agaricus nevoi'' * ''Agaricus nigrescentibus'' * ''Agaricus nigrobrunnescens'' * ''Agaricus nigrogracilis'' * ''Agaricus nitidipes'' * ''Agaricus niveogranulatus'' * ''Agaricus niveolutescens'' * ''Agaricus nivescens'' * ''Agaricus nobelianus'' * ''Agaricus nothofagorum'' * ''Agaricus novoguineensis'' * ''Agaricus ochraceidiscus'' * ''Agaricus ochraceosquamulosus'' * ''Agaricus ochrascens'' * ''Agaricus oenotrichus'' * ''Agaricus oligocystis'' * ''Agaricus olivellus'' * ''Agaricus ornatipes'' * ''Agaricus osecanus'' * ''Agaricus pachydermus'' * ''Agaricus padanus'' * ''Agaricus pallens'' * ''Agaricus pallidobrunneus'' * ''Agaricus pampeanus'' * ''Agaricus panziensis'' * ''Agaricus parasilvaticus'' * ''Agaricus parasubrutilescens'' * ''Agaricus parvibicolor'' * ''Agaricus parvitigrinus'' * ''Agaricus patialensis'' * ''Agaricus patris'' *  ''Agaricus pattersoniae'' * ''Agaricus pearsonii'' * ''Agaricus peligerinus'' * ''Agaricus pequinii'' * ''Agaricus perdicinus'' * ''Agaricus perfuscus'' *  ''Agaricus perobscurus'' – American princess * ''Agaricus perrarus'' * ''Agaricus perturbans'' * ''Agaricus petchii'' * ''Agaricus phaeocyclus'' *  ''Agaricus phaeolepidotus'' * ''Agaricus phaeoxanthus'' * ''Agaricus pietatis'' *  ''Agaricus pilatianus'' * ''Agaricus pilosporus'' *  ''Agaricus placomyces'' (includes ''A.praeclaresquamosus'') * ''Agaricus planipileus'' * ''Agaricus pleurocystidiatus'' *  ''Agaricus pocillator'' * ''Agaricus porosporus'' * ''Agaricus porphyrizon'' *  ''Agaricus porphyrocephalus'' Møller * ''Agaricus porphyropos'' * ''Agaricus posadensis'' * ''Agaricus praefoliatus'' * ''Agaricus praemagniceps'' * ''Agaricus praemagnus'' * ''Agaricus praerimosus'' * ''Agaricus pratensis'' * ''Agaricus pratulorum'' * ''Agaricus projectellus'' * ''Agaricus proserpens'' * ''Agaricus pseudoargentinus'' * ''Agaricus pseudoaugustus'' * ''Agaricus pseudocomptulus'' * ''Agaricus pseudolangei'' * ''Agaricus pseudolutosus'' * ''Agaricus pseudomuralis'' * ''Agaricus pseudoniger'' * ''Agaricus pseudopallens'' * ''Agaricus pseudoplacomyces'' * ''Agaricus pseudopratensis'' * ''Agaricus pseudopurpurellus'' * ''Agaricus pseudoumbrella'' * ''Agaricus pulcherrimus'' * ''Agaricus pulverotectus'' * ''Agaricus punjabensis'' * ''Agaricus purpurellus'' * ''Agaricus purpureofibrillosus'' * ''Agaricus purpureoniger'' * ''Agaricus purpureosquamulosus'' * ''Agaricus purpurlesquameus'' * ''Agaricus putidus'' * ''Agaricus puttemansii'' * ''Agaricus radicatus'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus reducibulbus'' * ''Agaricus rhoadsii'' * ''Agaricus rhopalopodius'' * ''Agaricus riberaltensis'' * ''Agaricus robustulus'' * ''Agaricus robynsianus'' * ''Agaricus rodmanii'' * ''Agaricus rollanii'' * ''Agaricus romagnesii'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus rosalamellatus'' * ''Agaricus roseocingulatus'' * ''Agaricus rotalis'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus rubellus'' * ''Agaricus rubronanus'' Kerrigan (1985) (San Mateo county) * ''Agaricus rubribrunnescens'' * ''Agaricus rufoaurantiacus'' * ''Agaricus rufolanosus'' * ''Agaricus rufotegulis'' * ''Agaricus rufuspileus'' * ''Agaricus rusiophyllus'' * ''Agaricus rutilescens'' * ''Agaricus salicophilus'' * ''Agaricus sandianus'' *  ''Agaricus santacatalinensis'' * ''Agaricus sceptonymus'' * ''Agaricus scitulus'' * ''Agaricus semotellus'' *  ''Agaricus semotus'' * ''Agaricus sequoiae'' (Mendocino County, CA, under coast redwood) * ''Agaricus shaferi'' *  ''Agaricus silvaticus'' – scaly/blushing wood mushroom, pinewood mushroom (= ''A.sylvaticus'', includes ''A.haemorrhoidarius'') *  ''Agaricus silvicola'' – wood mushroom (= ''A.sylvicola'') * ''Agaricus silvicolae-similis'' * ''Agaricus silvipluvialis'' * ''Agaricus simillimus'' * ''Agaricus singaporensis'' * ''Agaricus singeri'' * ''Agaricus sinodeliciosus'' * ''Agaricus sipapuensis'' * ''Agaricus slovenicus'' * ''Agaricus smithii'' * ''Agaricus sodalis'' *  ''Agaricus solidipes'' Peck, Bull (1904) * ''Agaricus sordido-ochraceus'' * ''Agaricus sordidocarpus'' * ''Agaricus spegazzinianus'' * ''Agaricus stadii'' * ''Agaricus stellatus-cuticus'' * ''Agaricus sterilomarginatus'' * ''Agaricus sterlingii'' * ''Agaricus stevensii'' * ''Agaricus stigmaticus'' Courtec. (2008) * ''Agaricus stijvei'' * ''Agaricus stramineus'' * ''Agaricus subalachuanus'' * ''Agaricus subantarcticus'' * ''Agaricus subareolatus'' * ''Agaricus subarvensis'' * ''Agaricus subcoeruleus'' * ''Agaricus subcomtulus'' * ''Agaricus subedulis'' * ''Agaricus subflabellatus'' * ''Agaricus subfloccosus'' * ''Agaricus subfloridanus'' * ''Agaricus subgibbosus'' * ''Agaricus subhortensis'' * ''Agaricus subnitens'' * ''Agaricus subochraceosquamulosus'' * ''Agaricus suboreades'' * ''Agaricus subperonatus'' (disputed) * ''Agaricus subplacomyces-badius'' * ''Agaricus subponderosus'' * ''Agaricus subpratensis'' *  ''Agaricus subrufescens'' (includes ''A.rufotegulis'', often confused with ''A.blazei'' and ''A.brasiliensis'') – almond mushroom, royal sun agaricus, and various fanciful names * ''Agaricus subrufescentoides'' *  ''Agaricus subrutilescens'' – wine-colored agaricus * ''Agaricus subsaharianus'' L.A.Parra, Hama & De Kesel (2010) * ''Agaricus subsilvicola'' * ''Agaricus subsquamuliferus'' * ''Agaricus subsubensis'' Kerrigan (2008) (California) * ''Agaricus subtilipes'' * ''Agaricus subvariabilis'' * ''Agaricus sulcatellus'' * ''Agaricus sulphureiceps'' * ''Agaricus summensis'' Kerrigan (1985) * ''Agaricus suthepensis'' * ''Agaricus taculensis'' * ''Agaricus taeniatimpictus'' * ''Agaricus taeniatus'' * ''Agaricus tantulus'' * ''Agaricus tennesseensis'' * ''Agaricus tenuivolvatus'' * ''Agaricus tephrolepidus'' * ''Agaricus termiticola'' * ''Agaricus termitum'' * ''Agaricus thiersii'' * ''Agaricus thujae'' * ''Agaricus tibetensis'' * ''Agaricus tlaxcalensis'' Callac & G.Mata (2008) (Tlaxcala) * ''Agaricus tollocanensis'' * ''Agaricus toluenolens'' * ''Agaricus trinitatensis'' * ''Agaricus trisulphuratus'' (formerly in ''
Cystoagaricus ''Cystoagaricus'' is a genus of fungi in the family Psathyrellaceae. The genus contains four species found in subtropical America. The genus was circumscribed by mycologist Rolf Singer in 1947, with '' Cystoagaricus strobilomyces'' as the type spe ...
'') * ''Agaricus trutinatus'' * ''Agaricus tucumanensis'' * ''Agaricus tytthocarpus'' * ''Agaricus umboninotus'' * ''Agaricus unguentolens'' * ''Agaricus unitinctus'' *  ''Agaricus urinascens'' * ''Agaricus valdiviae'' * ''Agaricus vaporarius'' * ''Agaricus variabilicolor'' * ''Agaricus variegans'' * ''Agaricus variicystis'' * ''Agaricus valdiviae'' * ''Agaricus velenovskyi'' * ''Agaricus veluticeps'' * ''Agaricus venus'' * ''Agaricus vinaceovirens'' (San Francisco Peninsula) * ''Agaricus vinosobrunneofumidus'' * ''Agaricus viridarius'' * ''Agaricus viridopurpurascens'' * ''Agaricus volvatulus'' * ''Agaricus wariatodes'' * ''Agaricus weberianus'' * ''Agaricus wilmotii'' * ''Agaricus woodrowii'' * ''Agaricus wrightii'' * ''Agaricus xanthodermoides'' * ''Agaricus xanthodermulus'' *  ''Agaricus xanthodermus'' – yellow-staining mushroom * ''Agaricus xantholepis'' * ''Agaricus xanthosarcus'' * ''Agaricus xeretes'' * ''Agaricus xuchilensis'' * ''Agaricus yunnanensis'' * ''Agaricus zelleri''


References


Sources

*


External links


MycoKey - The Genus Agaricus





''Agaricus'' page at Index Fungorum

On-line nomenclature of Agaricus from Royal Botanic Garden, Madrid. CSIC
{{Authority control Agaricus, Agaricales genera