Amanita virgineoides

Description

Amanita virgineoides is a medium to large-sized mushroom with a white cap that can range in size. The cap is typically smooth at the edges and covered in small white remnants. The gills are also white to cream in color and are not attached to the stem.

The stem of this mushroom is white and covered in small squamules, with a swollen bulb at the base that has white, warty remnants. It features a white ring on the stem, which may break as the mushroom grows.

This species was initially documented in Japan and can also be found in China and South Korea.

It's crucial to be aware that the false virgin's lepidella may contain deadly toxins. Some Amanita mushrooms are highly poisonous if ingested, so it's best to avoid consuming this mushroom and exercise caution when encountering it in the wild.

Common names: False Virgin's Lepidella.

Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   The cap of this mushroom species typically ranges from medium-sized to large, measuring between 70 to 200 mm in width. Its shape can vary from convex to applanate, occasionally showing a concave form. The cap's color is white and adorned with white, conical to pyramid-shaped remnants of the volva, which are typically 1 to 3 mm in height and width. The cap margin is smooth and has appendiculate characteristics. The inner flesh, or context, retains its white color and does not change upon exposure.

2. Gills

   The gills of this mushroom are either free or slightly attached (subfree) and exhibit a white to cream coloration. Short gills on the underside taper off gradually.

3. Stem

   The stem of this mushroom measures between 100 to 200 mm in length and 15 to 30 mm in diameter. It has a subcylindrical shape or slightly tapers towards the top. The stem is also white in color and covered with white, floccose squamules. The inner tissue of the stem is also white. Near the base of the stem, you'll find a ventricose, ovoid to subglobose basal bulb, which typically spans 30 to 40 mm in width. The upper part of this bulb is adorned with white, verrucose to granular remnants of the volva. The mushroom features a white annulus, with its upper surface displaying fine, radial striations and the lower surface featuring verrucose to conical warts.

4. Spores

   The spores of this mushroom species have dimensions that fall within the range of (7.0-) 8.0 to 10.0 (-11.5) µm in length and (5.5-) 6.0 to 7.5 (-8.5) µm in width. They are broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid in shape and amyloid. It's common to find clamps at the bases of basidia in this species.

Video

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