About Tricholoma caligatum (Viv.) Ricken
Tricholoma caligatum (Viv.) Ricken has a cap that starts hemispherical, and becomes convex to flat as it matures. Mature caps reach 12–15 centimetres (4+3⁄4–6 inches) in diameter, and are covered in large, chestnut to dark-brown fibrous scales or patches. The inrolled edge of the cap often holds cottony fragments of the partial veil. Its gills are adnate to sinuate, crowded, whitish to cream in color, and develop reddish-brown spots with age. The stem grows 4–12 cm long, tapers toward the base, and is somewhat rooting. It has a well-developed cottony ring that covers the gills when the mushroom is young. Below the ring, the stem is covered in dark bands of scales that match the color of the cap. The flesh is thick and fibrous, with a distinct, spicy, penetrating scent that resembles nutmeg or allspice. This species produces a white spore print. Tricholoma caligatum is strictly a Southern species, and is locally common in Mediterranean woods. It forms associations with multiple conifers: Pinus pinea, P. brutia, P. halepensis, P. nigra, and P. pinaster. It also associates with evergreen oaks, strawberry trees, and terebinth bushes. It fruits in autumn and winter, growing in both coastal and high altitude woods. According to Christensen & Heilmann-Clausen, reports of this fungus from North America most likely refer to a different species.
