Content
The Sicilian fly agaric is part of the large Amanita family. In Latin the name sounds like Amanita ceciliae, the second name is Strange Float. It was identified and described by British mycologist Miles Joseph Berkeley back in 1854.
Description of the Sicilian fly agaric
This species has many similar characteristics to other fly agarics. A lamellar mushroom with a wide cap and a thin stalk. It differs from its relatives in the absence of a ring. Single representatives are more common, small clusters are less common.
Description of the cap
The mushroom has a large fleshy cap, reaching 15 cm in diameter. In a young specimen it is ovoid in shape, over time it becomes convex and opens.The surface has a yellowish-brown or rich brown color, the edges are always lighter.
The species is distinguished by a large cap
Description of the leg
The leg is thin and high, cylindrical, fairly even. It reaches 15-25 cm in length and 1.5-3 cm in diameter. In young specimens it is colored pale pink or yellowish with a brown tint; as it ages, the color turns gray. There are remains of a Volva at the bottom, which darkens when pressed. The leg is initially dense, with visible fibers in it, but as it ages it becomes hollow.
Leg length can reach up to 25 cm
Where and how does the Sicilian fly agaric grow?
This species does not like only clay soils; it prefers broad-leaved and deciduous forest zones. Widely distributed in Europe, in Russia it is found in the Far East in the Primorsky Territory and in Yakutia. The mushroom also grows in Mexico. You can meet him from the last days of June until the very end of September.
Is the mushroom edible or not?
The Sicilian fly agaric is considered inedible. The pulp does not have a distinct odor and does not change color when cut. The pulp does not produce milky juice.
Doubles and their differences
The closest counterparts are other species of Amanita. The main difference between Sicilian is that it does not have a characteristic ring.
The most similar type is the pearl type, which has a gray pearl color and a ring on the stem and is edible.
Another double is the Vittadini fly agaric, which is part of the group of conditionally edible, has a ring and a cover. It is more common in the south of Russia.
Conclusion
Mycologists consider the Sicilian fly agaric to be inedible.This mushroom is found infrequently; it is easily distinguished from other fly agaric mushrooms by its characteristic color and the absence of a veil.
