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Amanita virosa, commonly known as the Destroying Angel, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus in the genus Amanita. It is found in Europe and North America. The mushrooms are entirely white and possess a prominent ring and volva. It is one of the most poisonous of all known toadstools.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 5–15 cm (2–6 in) in diameter, initially convex, then flattening with age. The surface is smooth and can be slightly sticky when moist. The color is pure white.
- Gills
- The gills are free, crowded, and white. They do not attach to the stem.
- Stem
- The stem is 8–20 cm (3–8 in) long and 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) thick, white, and has a ring (annulus). The base of the stem is enclosed in a volva, which is a sac-like structure.
- Flesh
- The flesh is white and does not change color when bruised.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is entirely white, including the cap, gills, stem, and ring. It has a classic mushroom shape with a cap, stem, and gills.
- Habitat
- Amanita virosa is found in deciduous and coniferous forests. It typically fruits in late summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, slightly sticky when moist.
- Growth Form: Solitary or scattered.
- Spore Print: White.
- Body color: Pure white.
- Odor: Slightly unpleasant or chlorine-like.
- Flesh bruises: Does not change color.
- Height: 8–20 cm (3–8 in).
- Cap Diameter: 5–15 cm (2–6 in).
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal.
Toxic
DeadlyAmanita virosa is deadly poisonous and contains amatoxins and phallotoxins, which can cause severe liver and kidney damage, leading to death. Even a small amount can be fatal.
Quick Check
- Odor: Slightly unpleasant or chlorine-like.
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn.
- Substrate: Deciduous and coniferous forests.
Where to Find
Europe
Found in various parts of Europe, particularly in wooded areas.
North America
Also found in North America, often in similar habitats to Europe.
Finding Tips
Look in Late Summer/Autumn
Search for these mushrooms in late summer and autumn, as this is when they typically fruit.
Check Wooded Areas
Focus your search in deciduous and coniferous forests.
Similar Species
Amanita bisporigera
Amanita
Also known as: Eastern Destroying Angel
Amanita ocreata
Amanita
Also known as: Western Destroying Angel
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Amanitales
- Family
- Amanitaceae
- Genus
- Amanita
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