About Stropharia rugosoannulata Farl. ex Murrill
This mushroom, Stropharia rugosoannulata Farl. ex Murrill, can reach up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) in height. Its cap is reddish-brown, ranges from convex to flattening with age, and can grow up to 30 cm (12 in) across. Its exceptionally large size has earned it the colloquial nickname godzilla mushroom. Its gills are typically adnate; they start pale, turn grey, and finally darken to a purple-brown hue. Its spore print is dark purple-brown to black. Both its firm flesh and tall stem are white, and the stem features a distinct wrinkled ring. In summer and autumn, this species grows on wood chips across North America and Europe. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Paul Stamets' book Mycelium Running references a study by Christiane Pischl that identifies this species as an excellent garden companion to corn. It also has a long history of being cultivated alongside corn in Europe. A 2006 study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology discovered that this species can attack the nematode Panagrellus redivivus. It produces unique spiny cells called acanthocytes, which immobilise and digest these nematodes. Some authors describe Stropharia rugosoannulata as a very tasty edible mushroom. It can be easily cultivated on a growing medium similar to its natural growing substrate. Antonio Carluccio recommends preparing this mushroom by sautéing it in butter or grilling it.
