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False deathcap var. alba

Amanita citrina var. alba

Photo by Jae
Published on Project Noah
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52.286, 6.13133

Field Notes

Description:

An all-white variant of Amanita citrina is Amanita citrina var. alba. The var. alba false deathcap generally has a larger cap up to 12cm diameter compared with 5 to 10 cm for the more common lemon variety, and its stem is also white rather than lemon-yellow. Some authorities consider this to be a separate species rather than just a variety. The gills of Amanita citrina are white, free and crowded. The stem is white, typically 5 - 8 cm long and rising from a very large, white volva that encloses an abrupt basal bulb. There is a gutter-like ridge at the top of the volva, which adheres to the stem base rather than forming a loose bag around the base.

Habitat:

This species is seen frequently across most of Europe and is reported from parts of North America, where it is also quite common. Ectomycorrhizal with hardwood and softwood trees but particularly often found under beech trees, Amanita citrina is very common in mixed woodland on alkaline or neutral soil. These attractive mushrooms seem to be much less common in areas where the soil is strongly acidic.

Notes:

Spotted in Nieuwe Rande Forest in rural area of Deventer, Holland.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

Thanks again, Michel.
Looks like you have an Amanita, rather than a Clitocybe.. If you take a closer look at the gill attachement, you'll notice the gills are free of the stipe. Clitocybe has broadly attached or decurring gills, as you wrote in the description! Also its stipe (atleast what you can see of it) has an annulus, well seen on the first, second and fifth photo. The lack of velum remnants on the cap is not uncommon with Amanitas. I'm thinking Amanita citrina var. alba or a white variety of Amanita porphyria.
Thanks, Charlie. Yeah I think the insects are attracted to its bad smell :)
Insects seem to be making a meal of this one ..great find !

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