Community find

Green-spored Parasol

Chlorophyllum molybdites

Group

gilled mushroom

Season

Commonly found during warmer months, from summer through early autumn, particularly after rainfall.

Habitat

Typically found growing in lawns, parks, meadows, and disturbed grassy areas, often in scattered groups or fairy rings. It is saprobic, meaning it derives nutrients from decaying organic matter in the soil.

Key characteristics

Cap: 8-30 cm broad, convex to flat, white to brownish with brownish scales, especially in the center. Gills: Free from the stalk, closely spaced, white initially, becoming greenish due to the spores. Stalk: 10-25 cm long, 1-3 cm thick, white to brownish, tapering slightly upwards, with a large, double, movable ring. Spore print: Dull green. Flesh: White, often staining reddish-brown when cut or bruised.

Look-alikes

Similar-looking species include other large white-capped parasol mushrooms like Macrolepiota procera (Parasol Mushroom) or Leucoagaricus leucothites (White Dapperling). A key distinguishing feature of Chlorophyllum molybdites is its greenish spore print, which is absent in Macrolepiota procera (white spore print) and Leucoagaricus leucothites (white spore print). The ring on Chlorophyllum molybdites is also often movable.

Ecological role

As a saprobic fungus, Chlorophyllum molybdites plays a role in decomposition, breaking down organic matter in the soil and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.