Amanita citrina
Species of fungus
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Related on Lably
Through Potato, Europe and North America
Description
This mushroom has a fleshy pale yellow, or sometimes white, cap from 4–10 centimetres (1+1⁄2–4 inches) across, covered in irregular patches. The gills and flesh are white. There is a large volva at the base of the 6–8 cm (2+1⁄2–3 in) tall stem, which has a clear ring.
The mushroom has a smell of rapeseed or potato.
Similar species
It is often confused with the related Amanita phalloides, the death cap, hence the common name.
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Distribution and ecology
The false death cap is found in deciduous and coniferous woodlands in autumn in Europe. It is also found in North American oak and pine forests.
This mushroom has been recorded as a secondary food source for adults of the pleasing fungus beetle Tritoma biguttata biguttata.
Toxicity
This mushroom contains the alpha-amanitin toxin, but possibly in small enough amounts that would not cause adverse effects unless ingested at high quantity. It also contains the toxin bufotenin. Although it is considered inedible, the biggest danger with this species is its marked similarity to the death cap. For further more information about DMT found in Amanita citrina see external link about the study made.