Chlorophyllum molybdites

9.9

A poisonous mushroom with a white cap and brown scales often found in lawns that causes stomach pain

noun
/klɔːrəˈfɪləm mɒlɪbˈdaɪtiːz/

Specialized

: Chlorophyllum molybdites

After eating Chlorophyllum molybdites, he had to seek medical attention due to severe stomach cramps.

Examples

The Chlorophyllum molybdites can sometimes be mistaken for edible mushrooms by amateur foragers.
Many cases of mushroom poisoning in North America are due to accidental consumption of Chlorophyllum molybdites.
Be careful of Chlorophyllum molybdites in your garden.
The Chlorophyllum molybdites can cause severe nausea.
Consuming Chlorophyllum molybdites can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and requires immediate medical attention.
Several people in the community reported becoming ill after mistakenly eating Chlorophyllum molybdites from their lawns.
Identifying Chlorophyllum molybdites is important, as its poisonous nature can cause significant health issues if ingested.

Surface Forms

Chlorophyllum molybdites singular

Chlorophyllum molybdites plural

Morphology

Chlorophyllum + molybdites

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than a compositional English phrase; a B1 learner who knows the surface parts would not be able to infer that it denotes a poisonous mushroom because 'molybdites' is not a meaningful English word and 'Chlorophyllum' is a technical genus label. Scientific species names require domain knowledge and do not transparently convey toxicity or the described features, so the meaning is not derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Chlorophyllum molybdites gets its memory hook from its name: Chlorophyllum has 'chloro' meaning green and molybdites hints at a grey-green tint, so picture a white, brown‑scaled mushroom with greenish gills popping up in the grass. That's why this name helps you remember it is the common 'poisonous' lawn mushroom that often makes 'fairy rings'.