AMANITA

genus of about 100 species of mushrooms of the family Amanitaceae, order Agaricales, some of which are poisonous to humans. The amanitas typically have white spores, a ring on the stem slightly below the cap, a veil (volva) torn as the cap expands, and a cup from which the stalk arises. Among the deadliest of all mushrooms are the destroying angels (A. bispongera, A. ocreata, A. verna, and A. virosa). They develop a large white fruiting body and are found in forests during wet periods in summer and autumn. Death cap (A. phalloides), also deadly, is found in woods or their borders. It has a green or brown cap and appears in summer or early autumn. Other poisonous species include A. brunnescens and A. pantherina; common edible species include A. caesarea, A. rubescens, and A. vaginata. The fly agaric, or fly amanita (A. muscaria), is a poisonous mushroom found in pastures and fields in summer. It was once used as a fly poison. See also mushroom poisoning.