Paddy Straw (Volvariella bombycina)

This ruptures and the stem expands rapidly, leaving the sac as a volva at the base of the stem. The cap, which can reach 20 cm in diameter, is white to slightly yellowish and covered with silky hairs. The lamellae on the underside of the cap, which are not attached to the stem and are initially white, turn pink as the spores mature. The fungus grows singly or in clusters. It often occurs in old knotholes and wounds in elm and maple trees. Volvariella bombycina contains compounds with antibacterial properties.