Fly Agaric – Amanita muscaria

Fungi of the Week

25th September 2019 | Info

Common name: Fly Agaric 

Scientific name: Amanita muscaria

Introduction: Fly Agaric is a native fungus that is known for its toadstool shape and its bright red cap. It can grow up to 30cm tall and reach 20cm wide. It has hallucinogenic and psychoactive properties making it in-edible to humans; however, in some cultures, it is used for religious purposes.

Identification:

Cap: Bright red to orange and has white, wart-like spots. 

Gills: Located underneath the cap and are white. 

Stem: White with an easy-to-break texture. 

Spores: White in colour and oval-shaped. 

Flesh: White.

Group: Amanitaceae.

Habitat: Fly Agarics are typically found in woodland and heath habitats on light soil under Birch, Spruce and Pine trees between the summer and winter months. It often forms a mycorrhizal bond with birch but also does so with other tree species.

Ecological Importance: Fly Agaric helps to recycle nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter and also help to provide food and shelter for different animals.

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