Cap
 |
5 - 12 cm diameter; usually lemon-yellow
with large veil fragments that are brilliant white, as shown in the
picture on the left.
An all-white variant is also quite common (Amanita citrina var. alba).
Initially rounded, the cap usually flattens at maturity. |
|
The var. alba variety generally has a
larger cap (up to 12 cm diameter compared with 5 to 10 cm for the more
common lemon variety) and its stem is also white rather than
lemon-yellow. Some experts consider this to be a separate species rather
than just a variety. |
Gills
 |
White, free, crowded. |
Stipe
 |
White; typically 5 - 8 cm long
and rising from a very large, white volva. There is a gutter-like ridge
at the top of the volva.
The large stem-ring hangs down slightly; it usually remains intact
through to maturity. |
Spore print |
White. |
Odour/taste |
When cut or bruised, smelling like new
potatoes or cut radish. |
Habitat |
Mycorhizal with hardwood and softwood trees
but particularly common under beech trees. |
Season |
August to November |
Occurrence |
Frequent. |
Similar species |
- Amanita virosa (Destroying
Angel) rarely retains veil fragments on its cap through to maturity,
the cap remains somewhat domed, its stem-ring is usually high up and
not very substantial, and it does not have a sharp smell.
- Amanita phalloides (Death Cap) rarely retains veil fragments on its cap, and it
develops a sickly-sweet odour as it matures.
|
