Ascomycetes | Basidiomycetes | Classifications | Fruit Body Structure | Slime Molds
Amanitaceae
Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric)
This is probably the most photographed mushroom of all time.
The photo on the banner above has a good specimen found in Vancouver Canada and photographed by my brother.
Cap: Large, this one was about 15-20cm in diameter and about the same in height. Red in colour with white stumpy spots on it's surface. These spots are the remainder of the universal veil, when young it evolves as an egg like structure surrounded by a white coat but as it gets bigger this coat or veil breaks leaving remnants on the cap in the form of these spots.
Gills: White packed closely together, quite attractive, Free from
stem.
Spore Print: White (click on link under photos to see spore print)
Stem: About 2cm thick and
15-20cm tall. Partial veil or ring
around the stalk
present.
White in colour and smooth. Cup or volva
present, this is the other end of the
egg when young. Base of the stem somewhat bulbus!!
Edibility: Thought to be poisonous in the past, but there is evidence of hallucinogenic properties.
Spore Print
WARNING
Different people react differently to different mushrooms.
NEVER eat a wild mushroom without being 100% sure it is safe to do so.
Best Gourmet Mushrooms in New Zealand
Last Update
6 Feb 2007