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Agaricus is a genus of mushrooms comprising many species. Some better-studied regions have more than 50 known species of Agaricus, and several hundred species may exist worldwide. Even in Europe, which has been studied for centuries, new species are still being discovered. The tropics remain a rich source of species new to science. Agaricus mushrooms can be recognized by their gills, which do not reach the stem, and which become chocolate-brown in maturity. The spore print is also dark brown. These features can be observed in mature, open mushrooms such as 'portabellas'. In the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, only one other mushroom genus -- Melanophyllum -- may show these features, however the species are rare and may have other unusual characteristics such as red gills, greenish spores, and distinctive microscopic features. Agaricus commonly has a ring on the stem, formed largely from the partial veil, and also has a universal veil which is very variable and only in a few species forms a volva. A few species of Agaricus are poisonous, and some edible species cause digestive upsets in certain people. Fortunately for us, many other species are generally edible. Reputable field guides and similar books can help one learn to determine the edible and poisonous species. Indiscriminate consumption of wild, unidentified Agaricus species can be an unpleasant experience; as far as we know they have caused no fatalities. Agaricus species are saprotrophic, meaning that they live in or on dead organic matter. They particularly like forest humus in soil. Some species have adapted to composts and old manure of herbivores such as horses [this is an interesting evolutionary and ecological mystery that remains to be unraveled]. Such species, including the button mushroom A. bisporus, are the easiest to cultivate. Other commercially cultivated species of Agaricus include: A. subrufescens 'almond mushroom' 1890s A. bitorquis 'the very, very firm Agaricus' 1970s Many others can be cultivated on a hobby basis.
REFERENCES Agaricus expert works (no monograph of the genus exists) Please be aware that even experts can have a difficult time identifying many of the species of Agaricus.
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