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According to some external signs, the rough fly agaric is a common representative of the Amanitov family. However, he has several features that are not common to most of his brothers. Of all the fly agarics, this species is the most “atypical”.
Description of fly agaric rough
The appearance of this mushroom, without a shadow of a doubt, allows us to attribute it to the Amanites. The remains of a veil on the hat, characteristic of all fly agarics, are not characteristic of the rest of the representatives of the kingdom. On the other hand, the color of the fruiting body is completely uncharacteristic of fly agarics, which causes certain difficulties in its identification.
The appearance of representatives of the rough fly agaric at various stages of maturity
Cap Description
Its diameter ranges from 4 to 9 cm. Unlike most fly agarics, the rough one is very fleshy. Colors can be all shades of brown, dark yellow or olive.
The cap of the mushroom at the beginning of its life path is semicircular, over time it straightens and can even bend inward. Its smooth edge already at the stage of flattening will crack, exposing the flesh. The latter has a white color, acquiring a yellowish tint in air.
From above, the hat is covered with a skin of moderate thickness, on which there are many “flakes” characteristic of fly agarics, which are the remains of a bedspread. The pulp has a pleasant mushroom aroma that spreads far enough.
The hymenophore is lamellar, of a simple structure, not adhering to the stem. May have thickening 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 remains of the bedspread on the cap of the old mushroom change color to dirty yellow
Description of the leg
The lower part of the fruit body of the rough 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 upward. At an early age, it is dense, but over time, a cavity forms inside it.
Volvo, located at the base of the leg, is almost 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, white flakes are not uncommon on it.
There is practically no Volvo on the leg of the rough fly agaric, but the ring is clearly visible
Where and how to grow
The area of distribution of the fly agaric rough is extensive. This species is found almost everywhere in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere. It can be found from the western 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 distributed in Africa: in 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 an oak or a hornbeam. Fruiting bodies are located in small groups. Of all the substrates, it prefers ordinary loamy soil. Rarely grows on sandy soils. 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 reputable mycologists spoke out both for the edibility of the rough fly agaric and against it. It is known for sure that it is not classified as a poisonous mushroom.
Signs of poisoning, first aid
You can get 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.
Usually, signs appear about 0,5-5 hours after eating the rough fly agaric.
First aid is standard for any poisoning: gastric lavage by all possible means, taking laxatives (phenolphthalein, castor oil) and enterosorbents (activated charcoal, Smecta, etc.)
Twins and their differences
Due to its characteristic appearance, the rough fly agaric has practically no twins similar to it. The uncharacteristic combination of form, color and smell of this representative of the mushroom kingdom allows you to immediately determine its belonging. 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 look in the presence of a Volvo and the yellow color of the flakes on the hat, which does not change with time. In addition, the smell inherent in the rough fly agaric is absent in the Sicilian.
The yellow color of the flakes and the Volvo are the characteristic differences of the double
It should be noted that only young specimens can be confused. With age, the “Sicilians” grow up to 15 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height. Their leg, in contrast to the rough ones, has a noticeable gradient color. This species also belongs to inedible mushrooms.
Conclusion
Amanita rough is one of the representatives of the Amanitov family. Despite the fact that the mushroom has a characteristic appearance, this species is not poisonous. Amanita rough is widely distributed in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere.
