Shaggy parasol

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**Shaggy parasol** is the common name for three closely related species of mushroom, ***Chlorophyllum rhacodes*** (or ***rachodes***), ***C. olivieri*** and ***C. brunneum***, found in North America, Europe and Southern Africa (the latter species is also found in Australia).

## Taxonomy

*Chlorophyllum rhacodes*, *C. olivieri* and *C. brunneum* were formerly known as *Macrolepiota rhacodes* or *Lepiota rhacodes*, but the name was changed on the basis of molecular phylogenetic evidence demonstrating a closer relationship to *Chlorophyllum molybdites* than to *Macrolepiota procera*. The subspecies *Macrolepiota rhacodes* var. *brunneum* was also elevated to species status as *Chlorophyllum brunneum*. *Chlorophyllum olivieri* is a closely related species that is also eaten as the "Shaggy Parasol."

Many reference works spell the epithet "*rachodes*" rather than "*rhacodes*". The spelling "rachodes" was used by Vittadini when he first published the species in 1835, but was erroneous as the Greek word *rhakos* 'piece of cloth' should be transcribed as *rhacos*. However Index Fungorum keeps to the original author's spelling "*rachodes*" and so that is the form which should be regarded as correct.

## Description

The shaggy parasol is a large and conspicuous agaric, with thick brown scales and protuberances on its fleshy white cap. The gills and spore print are both white in colour. Its stipe is slender, but bulbous at the base, is coloured uniformly and bears no patterns. It is fleshy, and a reddish, or maroon discoloration occurs and a pungent odour is evolved when it is cut. The egg-shaped caps become wider and flatter as they mature.

The stipe of *C. rhacodes* grows to Template:Convert tall and has a diameter of 1 to 2 centimetres. The cap grows to Template:Convert across,

## Edibility

 File:Macrolepiota rhacodes JPG3.jpg
The shaggy parasol is popularly praised as a choice edible mushroom. However, it contains toxins which can cause gastric upsets when eaten raw or undercooked, and some individuals show a strong allergic response even after cooking.Template:Citation needed

Furthermore, young shaggy parasols look identical to the poisonous *Chlorophyllum molybdites* (the mushroom that causes the most poisonings in North America yearly). Checking the spore print is *essential* as *C. molybdites'*  print is green (older specimens have slightly green gills). As a result, this mushroom is **not recommended** for inexperienced hunters.

## Similar species

The shaggy parasol is similar in appearance to the similarly edible parasol mushroom, *Macrolepiota procera*. The latter grows considerably larger however, and is more likely to be found in the open than *C. rhacodes* which prefers more shade and dislikes open pastures and fields. Another distinguishing feature is that *C. rhacodes* lacks the brown bands that are on the stem of *M. procera*.

## References

1. ↑ Template:Cite journal
2. ↑ *Chlorophyllum rachodes* page. *Species Fungorum*. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Retrieved on May 22, 2017.
3. ↑ Chlorophyllum molybdites (MushroomExpert.com)

## Further reading

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* Collins Gem Guide: Mushrooms and Toadstools, Stefan Buczacki 1982.
* The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms, Knopf Publishing
* The Mushroom Book, Thomas Læssøe & Anna Del Conte, Dorling Kindersley, 1996.

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