Spores pink or salmon-color.
In Volvaria, Pluteus and most of Clitopilus, the spores are regular in shape, as in the white-spored series, in the rest of the subgenera they are generally angular and irregular.
Though European writers, generally, condemn the rosy-spored series as inedible, a few of our best American edibles are found in it—notably Pluteus cervinus.
VOLVA´RIA Fr.
Volva, a wrapper.
Spores regular, oval, pink, or salmon. Veil universal, forming a perfect volva, distinct from the cuticle of the pileus. Stem separating easily from the pileus. Gills free, rounded behind, at the very first white then pinkish, soft. Analogous with Amanita.
Growing in woods and on rich mold, rotten wood and damp ground, hence often found in hot-houses and gardens. V. Loveiana Berk. is parasitic on Clitocybe nebularis.
There are thirteen species reported from different parts of the United States. Most of them grow upon wood. Two species have previously been reported as edible, to which I have added V. Taylori, tested by myself.
One species, V. gloiocephala, is upon the authority of Letellier, given as poisonous. It is found in several parts of the United States, but no comment has been made upon its edibility. I have not seen it. A careful study of its botanic characters is urged. It should be regarded as poisonous until its reputation is cleared up, as it probably will be.
ANALYSIS OF SPECIES.