Amanita muscaria (L. : Fr.) Lam. Encycl. 1: 111 (1783)

Image © Clive Shirley Reproduced by permission

Probably the most easily recognisable of all mushrooms, the fly agaric is an introduced fungus which forms a mutually beneficial relationship with the roots of many trees, both native and introduced. Contrary to popular opinion, the species is mildly poisonous, but rarely if ever fatal. Common Name: Fly Agaric

• Pileus
  Cap 6-39 cm broad, rounded at first, then plane in age, surface viscid when moist;margin striate often with adhering partial veil fragments when young; cap red, usually with white warts but in one variety, yellow warts.

• Lamellae
  Gills adnexed to free, white to cream, edges roughened.

• Stipe
  Stipe white, 7-16 cm long, 2-3 cm thick, tapering to a bulbous base; partial veil membranous, breaking to form a superior skirt-like veil. Volva consisting of two to three concentric rings at the stipe base.

• Spores
  Spores 9-13 x 6.5-9.5 µm elliptical, smooth, nonamyloid. Spore print white.

• Habitat
  Amanita muscaria occurs under pines, but is now spreading to native habitats.

Distribution map

Last modified on 26 June 2002

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