Fly agaric ovoid (Amanita ovoidea) photo and description

Amanita ovoid (Amanita ovoidea)

Amanita ovoid (lat. Ovoid amanita) is a mushroom from the genus Amanita of the Amanitaceae family. It belongs to the edible species of mushrooms, but it must be collected with great care.

In appearance, the mushroom, very similar to the dangerous poisonous pale grebe, is quite pretty.

The mushroom is adorned with a hard and fleshy white or light gray cap, which is initially expressed as an ovoid shape, and with further growth of the fungus becomes flat. The edges of the cap descend from it in the form of filiform processes and flakes. In these flakes, the mushroom is distinguished by experienced mushroom pickers from other types of fly agaric.

The leg, covered with fluff and flakes, is slightly thickened at the base. A large soft ring, which is a sign of a poisonous mushroom, is located at the top of the stem. Due to the special structure of the stem, the mushroom is twisted when harvested, and not cut off with a knife. The plates are quite thick. The dense pulp has practically no aroma.

Amanita ovoid grows in a variety of mixed forests. It is especially common in the Mediterranean. A favorite place for growth is calcareous soil. The fungus is often found under beech trees.

In Our Country, this fungus is listed in The Red Book Krasnodar Territory.

Despite the fact that the mushroom is edible, it is recommended that only experienced professional mushroom pickers collect it. This is due to the high probability that instead of the ovoid fly agaric, a poisonous grebe will be cut.

The mushroom is quite familiar to professional mushroom pickers, who easily distinguish it from other mushrooms. But beginners and inexperienced mushroom hunters should be careful with it, as there is a very high risk of confusing the mushroom with a poisonous toadstool and getting severe poisoning.