Amanita calyptroderma

Description

This mushroom's cap is about 10–25 cm in diameter, usually orange-brown in color (but sometimes white), and partially covered by a thick white patch of universal veil. It has white, close gills. Its cream-colored stalk is about 10–20 cm in length and 2–4 cm in width, adorned with a partial veil. It has a partially hollow stem (filled with a stringy white pith), and a large, sacklike volva at the base of the stalk.

The spores of this species, which are white, do not change color when placed in a solution of Melzer's reagent, and thus are termed inamyloid. This characteristic in combination with the skirt-like annulus and absence of a bulb at the base of the stalk place this mushroom in the section Caesareae.

Similar species

The deadly poisonous A. phalloides is similar in appearance.

Amanita vernicoccora is a closely related edible species, which fruits in hilly or mountainous areas from late winter to spring. Otherwise similar in appearance, its cap is yellow. A. caesarea is also related and edible.

Distribution and habitat

This mushroom occurs in conifer forests, forming mycorrhizae with madrone (Arbutus menziesii) in the southern part of its range (Central California northwards to Washington). However, in the northern part of its range (Washington to southern Canada), its preferred host is Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii).

Edibility

Experienced mushroom hunters regard this mushroom as a good edible species, but caution must be exercised when collecting A. calyptroderma for the table, since it can be confused with other species in the genus. Amanita contains some of the deadliest mushrooms in the world, most notably A. phalloides and A. ocreata.

References

References

1. (2021). "''Amanita calyptroderma''".
2. {{NGSWG
3. (2012). "Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America". [[University of California Press]].
4. (2009). "Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest". Timber Press.
5. (2012). "Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America". [[University of California Press]].
6. Phillips, Roger. (2010). "Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America". Firefly Books.