Types Of Mushrooms: The Poisonous Amanitas
Among the types of mushrooms that are poisonous, Amanitas has its own category or “genus” within the mushroom kingdom. Within the genus amanitas there are many species, many of which are poisonous and also many of which are not. With that said, this is not a guide on determining which of the species of amanitas are edible, but rather which ones you should stay away from, although it is advisable to stay away from amanitas and all wild mushrooms in general unless you are an experienced mushroom hunter and can identify the mushroom to be absolutely edible. For the rest of us who prefer not to take the risk, try growing your own mushrooms at home.
Two of the most deadly and renowned species of amanitas go by the common names of Death Cap and Destroying Angel. A similarity of both of these amanitas, aside from the fact that both are poisonous, is that both grow relatively close to trees, most commonly live oaks and sometimes pines. Both the Death Cap and Destroying Angel have a white flesh and a white spore print. Both also have a sac-like volva, which is located at the base of the stem. The only way to get to the volva is to dig out the mushroom rather than cut it off at the stem.
The general appearance of the Death Cap and Destroying Angel are very similar with a few exceptions. Death Caps may range in color from olive-brown to yellowish-brown, and white on occasions. They may also have a greenish tint at times. A Destroying Angel can be distinguished by its white or cream colored appearance with a pinkish hue at times. One other feature of a Destroying Angel to distinguish it is at maturity it may have its cap curving upwards rather than having the traditional parasol or umbrella shaped cap.