Content
According to some external features, the rough fly agaric is a common representative of the Amanitov family. At the same time, it has several features that are not typical of most of its counterparts. Of all the fly agarics, this species is the most “atypical”.
Description of the fly agaric
The appearance of this mushroom without a shadow of a doubt allows us to attribute it to the Amanitaceae. The remains of a cover on the cap, characteristic of all fly agarics, are not characteristic of other representatives of the kingdom. On the other hand, the coloring of the fruiting body is completely uncharacteristic of fly agarics, which causes certain difficulties in its identification.
Appearance of representatives of the fly agaric rough at various stages of maturity
Description of the cap
Its diameter ranges from 4 to 9 cm.Unlike most fly agarics, the rough one is very fleshy. The color can be all shades of brown, dark yellow or olive.
At the beginning of its life, the cap of the mushroom is semicircular; over time, it straightens and can even bend inward. Its smooth edge will crack already at the flattening stage, exposing the flesh. The latter is white in color, acquiring a yellowish tint in air.
The top of the cap is covered with a skin of moderate thickness, on which there are many “flakes” characteristic of fly agarics, which are the remnants of the bedspread. The pulp has a pleasant mushroom aroma that spreads quite far.
The hymenophore is lamellar, of simple structure, not attached to the stalk. May have thickenings in the middle. The color of the hymenophore is white. In adult fruiting bodies, it changes to yellow over time. The spore powder is also white.
The remnants of the cover on the cap of the old mushroom change color to dirty yellow
Description of the leg
The lower part of the fruiting body of the fly agaric can reach 8 cm in length (the average is about 6 cm) with a diameter of 1-2 cm. The stem has a cylindrical shape, but may taper slightly towards the top. At an early age it is dense, but over time a cavity forms inside it.
The volva, located at the base of the leg, is practically invisible. Like all parts of the mushroom, it has a gray-yellow color. But the ring of the rough fly agaric shows up well. It has a characteristic uneven edge, in addition, it often contains white flakes.
There is practically no volva on the leg of the fly agaric, but the ring is clearly visible
Where and how does it grow
The distribution area of the fly agaric is extensive.This species is found almost everywhere in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere. It can be found from the west coast of Europe (except the Scandinavian Peninsula) to Japan, as well as throughout the United States and Canada, located north of the subtropics. It is also common in Africa: Algeria and Morocco. The species is not found in the Southern Hemisphere.
Prefers mixed and deciduous forests, as it forms mycorrhiza with Beech or Birch. Most often it can be found under oak or hornbeam. The fruiting bodies are arranged in small groups. Of all substrates, it prefers regular loamy soil. Rarely grows on sandy areas. Fruiting occurs in the second half of summer and can last from July to October.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
Refers to inedible mushrooms. However, there is no consensus on this issue. At the end of the last century, many authoritative mycologists spoke both for and against the edibility of the fly agaric. It is known for sure that it is not classified as a poisonous mushroom.
Signs of poisoning, first aid
You can become poisoned by this species only if you eat it in very large quantities. The concentration of substances characteristic of fly agarics (for example, muscarine and muscimol) in it is too low.
If poisoning occurs, symptoms include:
- auditory and visual hallucinations;
- increased physical activity;
- nausea, vomiting, salivation;
- convulsions;
- loss of consciousness.
Typically, signs appear approximately 0.5-5 hours after eating the fly agaric.
First aid is standard for any poisoning: gastric lavage by all possible means, taking laxatives (phenolphthalein, castor oil) and enterosorbents (activated carbon, Smecta, etc.)
Doubles and their differences
Due to its characteristic appearance, the rough fly agaric has practically no doubles similar to it. The uncharacteristic combination of shape, color and smell of this representative of the mushroom kingdom allows you to immediately determine its identity. The only species that can be visually confused with it is the Sicilian fly agaric.
It has approximately the same size and shape, but differs from the rough appearance by the presence of a volva and the yellow color of the flakes on the cap, which does not change over time. In addition, the Sicilian does not have the smell inherent in the fly agaric.
The yellow color of the flakes and the Volvo are the characteristic differences between the twin
It should be noted that only young specimens can be confused. With age, “Sicilians” grow up to 15 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height. Their leg, unlike rough ones, has a noticeable gradient color. This variety also belongs to the inedible mushrooms.
Conclusion
The fly agaric is one of the representatives of the Amanitov family. Despite the fact that the mushroom has a characteristic appearance, this species is not poisonous. The fly agaric is widespread in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere.
