Morels, Truffles and other Spring Mushrooms
by Michael W. Beug Email: beugm@evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Slide 67.
Amanita ocreata is one of several spring Amanita species
known collectively as Destroying Angels or Death Cups. They contain cyclic
polypeptides that can cause liver failure and death. A liver transplant
can sometimes stave off death for ten years or so until the transplanted
liver fails. It is important that mushroom seekers learn early on how to
identify Amanitas so that accidental poisoning and possible death can be
avoided. The characteristics to look for are a sac-like or cup-like volva
buried in the ground at the base of the stem and a white spore print. The
gills may or may not be attached to the stem and a ring or annulus may
or may not be present. There may or may not be warts or a felty patch of
universal veil material on the cap. Amanita ocreata can vary
greatly in stature and there are at least three closely related amanitas
that can prove deadly if eaten. No manner of cooking removes the toxins.
When harvesting white-gilled mushrooms, it is especially important to collect
the whole stem to make certain that no volva is hiding just below ground
surface.
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