The Scarlet Amanita

🍄 Cap Characteristics

The pileus, or cap, of Amanita jacksonii typically measures between 8 and 12 centimeters (approximately 3 to 4.5 inches) in width. Initially oval-shaped, it matures to a convex form, often featuring a distinct central umbo (bump). The surface is characterized by its sticky texture and a brilliant red or orange coloration that tends to fade towards the margin, often becoming yellowish with age. Notably, the red pigment can diminish over time, particularly from the edge inwards. The margin is typically smooth, though it may exhibit fine lines for about 40-50% of the cap's radius.

🌿 Gills and Hymenium

The hymenium, bearing the gills, is moderately crowded to densely crowded. The gill color ranges from orange-yellow to yellow-orange, transitioning to a clear yellow. They are attached to the stipe, either free or slightly adnexed, and do not exhibit bruising upon contact. The short gills (lamellulae) are subtruncate to truncate in shape, contributing to the overall structure of the spore-bearing surface.

🌳 Stipe and Volva

The stipe, or stem, measures approximately 90–140 mm in length and 9–16 mm in width (about 3.5–5.5 inches by 0.4–0.6 inches). It is predominantly yellow and adorned with fine orange fibrils and patches. These markings are remnants of the limbus internus of the volva. The volva itself is a significant characteristic: large, white, and sack-like, enclosing the base of the stipe. Clamps are commonly observed at the bases of the basidia, which are the spore-producing cells.

⚪ Spores and Flesh

Microscopic examination reveals that the spores of A. jacksonii are typically broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid, measuring (7.0-) 7.8–9.8 (-12.1) by (5.2-) 5.8–7.5 (-8.7) µm. These spores are inamyloid, meaning they do not stain blue when treated with Melzer's reagent. The internal flesh of the mushroom is whitish to pale yellow and does not undergo color changes when exposed to air.

✅ Culinary Value

Mycologically, Amanita jacksonii is classified as a choice edible mushroom. Its flesh is reported to be palatable, making it desirable for consumption among experienced foragers. However, its classification as edible comes with significant caveats regarding identification.

⚠️ Critical Identification Warning

Despite its culinary potential, A. jacksonii is strongly advised against for consumption by the general public due to the high risk of misidentification. It bears resemblance to several toxic and potentially lethal species within the Amanita genus, including Amanita muscaria (the fly agaric) and the deadly Amanita phalloides (the death cap). Accurate identification by an expert is paramount before considering any wild mushroom for consumption. The presence of a volva and the specific coloration of the cap and gills are key features, but subtle differences can be critical.

🌐 Further Information

For detailed taxonomic information and global distribution records, consult specialized mycological databases:

• Index Fungorum: Amanita jacksonii

📜 References