Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)
Description
Amanita pantherina is a type of mushroom in the Amanitaceae family. It is medium to large in size and usually grows in forests with coniferous or mixed trees. This mushroom forms a special relationship with the roots of trees, helping both the tree and the mushroom to grow. It can be found across Europe and Asia.
The cap of the mushroom can be brown, tan, or yellowish-brown, depending on how mature it is. The gills underneath are white and close together, while the stem is also white, sometimes showing a yellow or reddish color. It has a cup-like structure at the base of the stem and a ring around the stem.
Amanita pantherina can cause hallucinations due to its psychoactive compounds, including muscimol and ibotenic acid, which affect the central nervous system. However, it is also highly poisonous and can cause serious health issues if ingested, such as nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, even death.
Since December 2008, it has been illegal to buy, sell, or possess Amanita pantherina and Amanita muscaria in the Netherlands. Having more than 0.5 grams of dried mushrooms or 5 grams of fresh mushrooms can lead to criminal charges.
The mushroom was first described in 1815 by Augustin Pyramis De Candolle, who named it Agaricus pantherinus. In 1871, Paul Kummer changed its name to Amanita pantherina. The name "pantherina" refers to the brown-and-white spotted look of its cap.
Common names: Panther Cap, False Blusher, German (Pantherpilz), Netherlands (Panteramaniet), Czech Republic (Muchomůrka Tygrovaná).
Mushroom Identification
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Cap
The cap ranges from 1.18 to 7.09 inches (3 to 18 cm) wide and starts with a convex shape that flattens as it matures. When fresh, it has a sticky texture and is colored brown to tan or yellowish-brown. The surface is smooth with numerous small white warts, and the edges may develop slight lines when mature.
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Gills
The gills are mostly free from the stem and are white in color. They are crowded together, with some shorter gills interspersed among the longer ones.
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Stem
The stem measures between 1.57 to 7.87 inches (4 to 20 cm) in length and can be up to 0.98 inches (2.5 cm) thick. It tapers toward the top and has a swollen base. The texture can be scaly or smooth, and it is white. A white, skirt-like ring is present above, and there may be concentric rings at the base.
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Flesh
The flesh is white and does not change color when cut, although the stem may turn slightly yellowish.
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Spore Print
The spore print is white.
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Odor
The mushroom emits an unpleasant smell, reminiscent of raw potatoes.
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Habitat
It forms a symbiotic relationship with trees, exchanging nutrients. This mushroom grows in forests and meadows across Europe and western Asia, particularly in late summer and autumn. It prefers deciduous forests but can also be found under conifers like pine and spruce. Additionally, it has spread to South Africa due to imported trees.
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Microscopic Features
The spores are smooth, ellipsoid, and measure 8-14 x 6-10 µm. Basidia typically have four spores. The cap surface consists of hyphae that are 2-7 µm wide, and the gills have a complex structure with branched subhymenium.
Look-Alikes
Amanita rubescens (edible)
Caps of some samples of A. rubescens are brown but their stems and the cap flesh always turn pink or red when damaged.
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Has gray veil fragments on its cap. The stem on most specimens is stout and the base does not have a distinct volval gutter.
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Has a scabby liver-brown cap and a stem which is yellow-ochre at the base, with patches or rings of patches.
Benefits
☠️ Firstly, Amanita pantherina is a toxic mushroom. However, it has been used in alternative medicine to treat certain symptoms.
Recent neuroscience research suggests that the muscimol found in Amanita pantherina mushrooms may offer several medicinal benefits, including:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Relieving muscular pain
Supporting restorative sleep
Displaying anti-tumor properties and protecting memory
Side Effects
🤢 Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Nausea and Vomiting: These are common initial symptoms, usually beginning within 1-2 hours after ingestion.
Abdominal Pain: Intense stomach pain can accompany nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea: This can occur, leading to dehydration and further weakening the person.
🧠 Neurotoxic Effects
Confusion and Disorientation: These symptoms typically develop within 1-3 hours after ingestion and can be quite severe.
Hallucinations: Visual and auditory hallucinations are common due to the psychoactive properties of muscimol.
Delirium: This state of extreme mental disturbance can lead to erratic and dangerous behavior.
Seizures: Some individuals may experience seizures, especially in severe cases.
Sedation and Drowsiness: The mushroom can cause extreme drowsiness, leading to a deep sleep that can last for several hours.
😬 Autonomic Nervous System Effects
Sweating: Excessive sweating can occur as the body attempts to regulate its internal temperature.
Tachycardia or Bradycardia: Irregular heartbeats, either too fast or too slow, can result from the mushroom's toxic effects on the heart.
Hypotension: A drop in blood pressure may occur, potentially leading to dizziness and fainting.
🥴 Muscular Symptoms
Tremors: Involuntary shaking or tremors may develop, particularly in the hands.
Muscle Weakness: Generalized weakness and lack of coordination can make movement difficult.
😰 Psychological Effects
Anxiety and Panic: The hallucinogenic effects can lead to extreme fear and panic attacks.
Paranoia: Feelings of intense paranoia may occur, especially during the hallucinatory phase.
Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, ranging from euphoria to depression, are possible.
😷 Respiratory Effects
Respiratory Depression: In severe cases, the toxic compounds can depress the respiratory system, making breathing difficult and potentially life-threatening.
⏳ Delayed Effects
Aftereffects: Even after the primary effects have worn off, individuals may experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, and mood disturbances for several days.
💀 Severe Complications
Coma: In extreme cases, ingestion of Amanita pantherina can lead to a coma, particularly if large amounts are consumed or if medical treatment is delayed.
Death: Although rare, fatal outcomes can occur, particularly if medical intervention is not promptly sought.
Uses
🧠 Psychoactive Use: This mushroom has two key compounds — ibotenic acid and muscimol — that can affect your mind. Using it might lead to experiences like seeing things that aren’t there, blending of senses (like hearing colors), feeling extreme happiness or sadness, and losing memories of past events.
🧴 Extract and Tincture: Amanita pantherina is processed to create extracts or tinctures by soaking the dried mushroom in alcohol or another solvent. This process extracts the psychoactive compounds (muscimol and ibotenic acid) into a liquid form, which is then filtered and concentrated.
🍇 Gummies: Mushroom extracts are mixed with sweeteners, gelatin, and flavorings to create gummies. The extract is carefully measured to ensure a consistent dosage, and the mixture is poured into molds before being cooled and packaged.
💊 Capsules: Dried and powdered Amanita pantherina is filled into capsules. The powder is processed to a fine consistency and encapsulated in standardized doses to control the amount of active compounds.
🍫 Chocolate: Amanita pantherina extract is infused into chocolate, combining the psychoactive compounds with cocoa and other ingredients. The extract is blended with melted chocolate and then cooled into bars or other chocolate forms.
Psychedelic Effects
The effects of consuming Amanita pantherina mushrooms, which contain muscimol and ibotenic acid, are often compared to the sensations of being on high doses of Ambien or alcohol rather than a classic psychedelic like psilocybin. These compounds interact with the brain's receptors, leading to disrupted neurotransmission.
People who have used Amanita pantherina often describe their experiences as a significant alteration in their perception of space and time. Some report that time seems to either speed up or slow down, and movements can feel either exaggerated or sluggish.
Here’s a range of effects that users have reported, which can vary from dream-like to terrifying:
Dream-like states 🌌: Users often feel like they’re in a vivid, surreal dream.
Out-of-body experiences 🌠: A sensation of being detached from one's body is common.
Involuntary muscle movements 😵: This can include bouts of uncontrolled laughter or crying.
Repetitive motion 🔄: Some users find themselves repeating the same motion over and over without control.
Clumsiness and dizziness 🤕: Difficulty with coordination and balance is typical.
Convulsions and fainting ⚠️: Severe cases can lead to convulsions or even loss of consciousness.
Retrograde amnesia 🧠: Users might forget events that occurred before they took the mushroom.
Loss of consciousness 💤: In extreme cases, users may black out entirely.
These experiences can be unpredictable, ranging from mildly disorienting to dangerously intense.
Versus Table
| Aspect | Amanita muscaria | Amanita pantherina | Amanita regalis | Amanita excelsa | Amanita rubescens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Effects | - Headaches - Dizziness - Nausea - Uncoordinated movement |
- More intense effects - Stronger drowsiness - Severe uncoordination |
- Mild hallucinogenic effects | - Intense effects like dizziness | - Edible when well cooked |
| Psychological Effects | - Hallucinations - Distorted reality - Mood swings |
- More intense hallucinations - Profound introspection |
- Profound, immersive experiences | - Intense, altered perception | - Edible, non-hallucinogenic |
| Effects on Nervous System | - Relaxation from muscimol - Stimulation from ibotenic acid |
- More pronounced relaxation - Potential for overstimulation |
- Altered perceptions from muscimol | - Potential for overstimulation | - Safe when cooked, neutral effects |
| Preparation and Safety | - Requires decarboxylation for safety | - Requires careful preparation | - Less potent, needs care | - Requires caution | - Safe when cooked |
| Odor and Taste | - The aroma is inconspicuous | - Unpleasant odor | - Neutral taste and odor | - Odor is faintly grass-like/radish | - The odor is sweetly fungoid. The taste is faint then becomes slightly acrid. |
| Rarity and Distribution | - Variable, found in various regions | - Widespread in Europe, Western Asia | - Less common, Scandinavia, Alaska | - More common in British Isles and Europe | - Found in many types of forests |
| Toxicity | - Toxic, potential for serious symptoms | - Toxic, higher risk of severe effects | - Can cause hallucinations if misused | - Related species may be toxic | - Non-toxic when cooked |
| Identification Difficulty | - Requires expertise for accurate ID | - Requires precise identification | - Distinct features aid identification | - Distinct features aid identification | - Highly variable, careful identification needed |
FAQ
Where to Find Amanita pantherina in the U.S.?
Amanita pantherina is typically found in forested areas, particularly in regions with temperate climates. It is associated with certain types of trees, forming symbiotic relationships with their roots (mycorrhizal relationships). Here’s where you might encounter this mushroom:
1. Pacific Northwest
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States: Washington, Oregon, Northern California.
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Habitat: This region is one of the prime habitats for Amanita pantherina. It thrives in mixed coniferous and hardwood forests, often found near Douglas firs, pines, and oaks.
2. Northern California
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Regions: Coastal and mountainous areas.
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Habitat: Similar to the Pacific Northwest, Amanita pantherina can be found in the forests of Northern California, particularly in the coastal redwoods and the Sierra Nevada foothills.
3. Northeastern United States
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States: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New England states.
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Habitat: This mushroom is less common but can still be found in mixed forests, often under oak, beech, and pine trees.
4. Rocky Mountain Region
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States: Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana.
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Habitat: In the Rocky Mountains, Amanita pantherina can be found in subalpine and montane forests, typically near pines and spruces.
5. Habitat Characteristics
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic soils.
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Forest Type: Mixed hardwood and coniferous forests.
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Season: Amanita pantherina typically fruits in late summer to fall, although the exact timing can vary depending on local climate conditions.
Can You Eat Raw Amanita pantherina?
Eating raw Amanita pantherina is extremely dangerous due to its high toxicity. This mushroom contains neurotoxins like muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. The effects are unpredictable and can be life-threatening, making it crucial to avoid consuming this mushroom in any form. If ingestion occurs, immediate medical attention is essential.
Is Amanita pantherina Legal in U.S.?
n the United States, Amanita pantherina is not explicitly regulated under federal law, but its legal status can be complex due to its psychoactive properties and potential health risks.
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Federal Law: There is no specific federal legislation that addresses the legality of Amanita pantherina directly. However, because it contains psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid, it may fall under general controlled substances regulations if its use leads to dangerous behavior or health risks.
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State Laws: Individual states may have their own regulations concerning the possession, sale, or use of psychoactive substances. The legality of Amanita pantherina can vary depending on state laws and regulations related to controlled substances or toxic mushrooms.
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Foraging and Consumption: In many areas, foraging for mushrooms like Amanita pantherina is legal, but consuming or selling them can be restricted due to their toxicity and potential health hazards. Always check local regulations and health advisories before foraging or consuming any wild mushrooms.
Given the risks associated with Amanita pantherina, it is advisable to avoid handling or consuming this mushroom and to consult local laws and health guidelines for more specific information.
Can Amanita pantherina Be Cultivated?
Cultivating Amanita pantherina is challenging and not straightforward. Unlike some mushrooms, Amanita pantherina, like its close relative Amanita muscaria, forms a mycorrhizal relationship with specific trees, such as pines and birches, making it difficult to grow in controlled environments. While some enthusiasts claim to have successfully grown Amanita pantherina outdoors by creating a suitable environment with the right tree associations, these reports are rare and unverified. The process requires patience, as even successful attempts often take several years to produce mushrooms. Growing Amanita pantherina indoors is almost certainly not feasible due to its complex ecological needs. For those interested in this mushroom, foraging in the wild, while ensuring it is done sustainably and safely, remains a more practical option.
Synonyms and Varieties
Amanitaria pantherina (DC.) E.-J. Gilbert, 1940
Agaricus pantherinus DC.
Amanita pantherina var. abietum (Gilbert) - more robust, habitat conifers.
Amanita pantherina for. albida (Schulz) - wholly white.
Amanita pantherina for. xantha (Contu) - bright yellow cap.
Photo sources:
Photo 1 - Author: corentind (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 2 - Author: alex_wentworth (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 3 - Author: theodonom (CC BY 4.0)
Photo 4 - Author: bogsuckers (Public Domain)
Photo 5 - Author: oisin_dd (CC BY 4.0)
