Amanitaceae

Amanitaceae is a family of basidiomycete fungi, primarily containing the genera Amanita, Limacella, and Saproamanita. This family is notable for including some of the most toxic known mushrooms, with the Amanita genus containing the deadly Amanita phalloides (death cap) and Amanita virosa (destroying angel), among others. However, it also includes some edible species, such as Amanita caesarea (Caesar's mushroom).

Taxonomy

The family Amanitaceae was first described by French botanist François Fulgis Chevallier in 1826. The family is classified within the order Agaricales, the gilled mushrooms. The family name is derived from the type genus Amanita, which in turn is derived from Amanus, the name of mountains in Cilicia.

Description

Members of the Amanitaceae are characterized by their free gills, that is, the gills are not attached to the stem. They also typically have a universal veil that leaves a volva (a cup or sac-like structure) at the base of the stem. The spores are white, and the fruiting bodies (mushrooms) emerge from an egg-like structure.

Genera

The Amanitaceae family primarily includes three genera:

• Amanita: This is the largest genus in the family, containing about 600 species. It includes both deadly poisonous and edible species. The genus is characterized by its free gills and the presence of a volva.

• Limacella: This genus is smaller, with about 60 species. The mushrooms in this genus are slimy, hence the name Limacella, which means "slimy small thing".

• Saproamanita: This is a relatively new genus, separated from Amanita in 2014. The mushrooms in this genus are saprotrophic, meaning they obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter.

Toxicity and Edibility

Many species in the Amanitaceae family are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested. The toxins primarily affect the liver and kidneys. However, some species are edible and are even considered delicacies, such as the Caesar's mushroom. It is crucial to accurately identify any mushroom from this family before consumption.

Amanita phalloides, also known as the death cap, is one of the most poisonous of all known mushrooms.

See also

• List of Amanita species
• List of deadly fungus species
• Mushroom poisoning

References

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