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Amanita bisporigera
Group of white Amanita growing in the same area. The tallest specimen is white-capped with a skirt-like annulus near the top of a white stalk. Fertile surface is white with frequent short gills. The medium-size specimen appears younger but has the beginnings of the “skirt” mentioned in the previous specimen. The smaller specimen is somehat damaged--with a piece of the basal bulb/volva still in the ground. Spore prints were white. Amanita bisporigera is amatoxin-containing mushroom. Amatoxins are lethal in even small amounts and acts by blocking RNA polymerase from synthesizing mRNA, thereby halting protein synthesis and cell metabolism. Poisoning by amatoxin can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, organ failure, and death.
They were found growing on a ridge-side in a dense mixed hardwood (spotted with pines) forest in Northwest Georgia (Gordon County).
Spotted on Sep 24, 2017
Submitted on Oct 24, 2017
2 Comments
Thank you, Christine! They are beautiful, but I have much respect for the power of their poison!
Nice find