Panther mushroom

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{{Taxobox | color = lightblue | name = Panther mushroom | status = Conservation status: Secure | image = Amanita pantherina 1.JPG | image_width = 250px | regnum = Fungi | divisio = Basidiomycota | classis = Homobasidiomycetae | subclassis = Hymenomycetes | ordo = Agaricales | familia = Amanitaceae | genus = Amanita | species = A. pantherina | binomial = Amanita pantherina | binomial_authority = (DC. ex Fr.) Krombh. }} The Panther mushroom (Amanita pantherina) is a species of Amanita, a genus that features some of the deadliest mushrooms in the world.

1 Description
2 Habitat
3 Toxicity
4 External link

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Description

A. pantherina has a pale orange-brown pileus (cap) bearing small white warts and between 5 and 15 cm in diameter. In younger specimens the cap is domed, becoming flatter with age. The upper remains of the velum form a ring around the cap margin. In moist conditions the pileus is often viscid, with a farinaceous odour.

The stipe (stem) grows to a length of between 6-10 cm and between 1-2.5 cm in diameter. The lower remains of the velum form a volva (sheath) around the basal bulb.

The white spores are smooth, elliptical, non-amyloid and 9.5-13 x 7-9.5 µm in size.

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Habitat

A. pantherina is to be found in both deciduous and (less frequently) coniferous woodland throughout Europe, West Asia and North America. It is an ectomycorrhizal fungus, living in root symbiosis with a tree, deriving photosynthesised nutrients from it and providing soil nutrients in return.

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Toxicity

Caution: The Panther mushroom is highly toxic and can be confused with similar-looking edible species. Do not rely on Wikipedia alone when identifying mushrooms for consumption.

Although not normally fatal, A. pantherina should be regarded as highly dangerous, as it contains the psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol, and should not be eaten.

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