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-Amanita Phalloides- Death Cap |
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This largish fungus, known infamously as the Death Cap, accounts for more than 90% of fungus-related poisoning deaths in Europe. Amanita phalloides is quite a common species.
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Cap
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5 - 15 cm diameter; almost white when immature, then yellow, bronze or olive, darker in the centre; soon losing all fragments of the universal veil; initially egg-shaped, but flattening at maturity. The cap, which is not striate at the margin, tends to crack at the edges when very old. As they decay, Amanita phalloides fungi give off an unpleasant smell. Initially the gills are pure white, free, broad and crowded. Stipe : Stem height 7 - 15 cm; off-white, with zig-zag mottling somewhat paler than the cap colour.Amanita phalloides usually retain their fragile, pendant ring through to maturity. The swollen base is surrounded by a large white, sack-like volva that is often tinged green inside. |
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Habitat
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Mycorhizal with hardwood, especially oaks, and occasionally with softwood trees; most common at low altitude. July to November.
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