Amanita
There are about 900 to 1000
species of
fungus (mostly
mushroom) in the
Amanita genus (family
Amanitaceae, order
Agaricales), which contains some of the most
toxic known mushrooms. The most serious toxin present in these mushrooms is
alpha-amantin. This listing is by no means complete, but represents some of the more well-known poisonous members of the genus. The genus also contains many edible mushrooms. In some cultures, the larger local edible species of
Amanita are mainstays of the markets in the local growing season. Samples of this are
Amanita zambiana and other fleshy species in central Africa,
A. basii and similar species in Mexico,
A. caesarea in Europe, and
A. chepangiana in southeastern Asia. Other species are known for coloring sauces...such as the red
A. jacksonii with a range from eastern Canada to eastern Mexico.
See also
External Links