straw mushroom

n.
A tropical and subtropical edible mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) having a white cap and a long stipe with a swollen base.

Volvariella volvacea, see mushrooms.

Popular in Asian cooking, straw mushrooms are so named because they're grown on straw that's been used in a paddy. This musty, earthy growing medium contributes its distinct nuances to this mushroom's flavor. Tiny (about 1 to 11⁄2 inches in diameter) and coolie-shaped, straw mushrooms range in color from pale tan when young to dark charcoal gray when mature. Fresh specimens of this cultivated mushroom can sometimes be found in specialty produce markets. More readily available are canned straw mushrooms, which are found in Asian markets. Also known as paddy straw mushrooms and grass mushrooms. See also mushrooms.

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: small tropical and subtropical edible mushroom having a white cap and long stem; an expensive delicacy in China and other Asian countries where it is grown commercially
  Synonyms: Chinese mushroom, Volvariella volvacea

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