Volvariella speciosa

Pileus
Cap 6-14 cm broad, conic to oval becoming convex, nearly plane at maturity and usually umbonate; white to greyish, sometimes pale greyish-brown, disc darker; surface smooth, viscid when moist, shiny when dry; flesh white, soft; odor of radish.

Lamellae
Gills free, broad, close, white, becoming salmon-colored at maturity.

Stipe
Stipe 9-18 cm tall, 1.5-2 cm thick, equal, white to pale grey with a white, membranous volva; partial veil absent.

Spores
Spores 12-20 x 8-12 µm, smooth, elliptical. Spore print salmon-pink.

Habitat
Solitary, scattered, to gregarious on disturbed ground, e.g. cultivated fields, near compost heaps, lawns, and chip beds; especially common in areas landscaped with iceplant; fruiting from late winter to spring.

Edibility
Edible, of variable quality.

Comments
A handsome mushroom,Volvariella speciosa is sometimes mistaken for an Amanita because of its stature, free gills and volva. However, at maturity its salmon-colored gills and spores easily distinguish it from Amanita species.