Agaricus campestris

This species was originally noted and named in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus as Agaricus campestris. ==Description==

The cap is white, may have fine scales, and is in diameter; it is first hemispherical in shape before flattening out with maturity. The gills are initially pink, then red-brown and finally a dark brown, as is the spore print. The stipe is tall, 1–2 cm wide, ==Habitat and distribution==

A. campestris is found in fields and grassy areas after rain from late summer onwards worldwide. It is often found on lawns in suburban areas, appearing in small groups, in fairy rings, or solitary. Owing to the demise of horse-drawn vehicles and the subsequent decrease in the number of horses on pasture, the old "white outs" of years gone by are becoming rare events. This species is rarely found in woodland. The mushroom has been reported from Europe, Asia, north Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North America, including Mexico. ==Uses==

Although edible and choice, this mushroom is not commercially cultivated on account of its fast maturing and short shelf life. Other uses Research into fungal dressings for the treatment of ulcers, and bed sores, using fungal mycelial filaments, is ongoing. In the past, slices of A. campestris were applied to scalds and burns in parts of Scotland. Bioactive properties Water extracts of A. campestris have been shown to enhance the secretion of insulin, and to have insulin-like effects on glucose metabolism in vitro, although the mechanism is not understood. ==See also==