Amanita caesarea

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Amanita caesarea
Oronges.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Amanitaceae
Genus: Amanita
Species:
A. caesarea
Binomial name
Amanita caesarea
(Scop.) Pers. (1801)
Synonyms
  • Agaricus caesareusScop. (1772)
Amanita caesarea
Information icon.svg
Gills icon.png Gills on hymenium
Convex cap icon.svg Cap is convex
Free gills icon2.svg Hymenium is free
Ring and volva stipe icon.svg Stipe has a ring and volva
Transparent spore print icon.svg
 Spore print is white
Mycorrhizal fungus.svgEcology is mycorrhizal
Mycomorphbox Choice.pngMycomorphbox Caution.pngEdibility is choice but not recommended

Amanita caesarea, commonly known as Caesar's mushroom, is a highly regarded edible mushroom in the genus Amanita , native to southern Europe and North Africa. While it was first described by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1772, this mushroom was a known favorite of early rulers of the Roman Empire. [2]

It has a distinctive orange cap, yellow gills and stipe. Organic acids have been isolated from this species. Similar orange-capped species occur in North America and India. It was known to and valued by the Ancient Romans, who called it Boletus , a name now applied to a very different type of fungus.

Although it is edible, the Caesar's mushroom is closely related to the psychoactive fly agaric, and to the deadly poisonous death cap and destroying angels.

Taxonomy

Amanita caesarea was first described by Italian mycologist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1772 as Agaricus caesareus, [3] before later being placed in Amanita by Persoon in 1801. [4] The common name comes from its being a favourite of the Roman emperors, who took the name Caesar (originally a family name) as a title. It was a personal favorite of Roman emperor Claudius. [5] The Romans called it Bōlētus, derived from the Ancient Greek βωλίτης for this fungus as named by Galen. [6] Several modern common names recognise this heritage with the English Caesar's mushroom and royal amanita, French impériale, Polish cesarski and German Kaiserling. In Italian, it is ovolo (pl. ovoli), due to its resemblance to an egg when very young. [7] In Albanian it is kuqëlorja from its colour (< Albanian kuqe 'red'). Other common names include Amanite des Césars and Oronge.

It has also been classified as A. umbonata. A. hemibapha is a similar species originally described from Sikkim, India. It is widely eaten in the Himalayas and the Tibetan areas. Also North American collections have been labeled in the past as A. hemibapha. The relationship of the similar North American species A. arkansana and A. jacksonii to A. caesarea is not clear. The edibility of some of these similar species is also unclear, though A. jacksonii is eaten by many and there have been no reports of illness from it. A similar mushroom can also be found in La Esperanza, Honduras, where a festival is celebrated annually in its honor. A. caesarea was first domesticated in 1984. [8]

Description

Specimen of A. caesarea Amanita caesarea.jpg
Specimen of A. caesarea

This mushroom has an orange-red cap, initially hemispherical before convex and finally flat. The surface is smooth, and margins striated, and it can reach 15 centimetres (6 inches) or rarely 20 cm (8 in) in diameter. The free gills are pale to golden yellow, as is the cylinder-shaped stipe, which is 8–15 cm (3–6 in) tall and 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) wide. The ring hangs loosely and is lined above and smooth below. The base of the stipe is thicker than the top and is seated in a greyish-white cup-like volva, which is a remnant of universal veil. The spores are white. [9]

It could be confused with the poisonous fly agaric ( Amanita muscaria ). Though A. muscaria has a distinctive red cap dotted with fluffy white flakes, these tend to fall off as the mushroom ages and the bright red tends to fade to a yellowy orange. The latter mushroom will always have white gills and stalk with a ringed volva [9] rather than a yellow stalk and is typically associated with spruce ( Picea ), pine ( Pinus ) or birch ( Betula ). [10] Certain varieties (e.g. A. muscaria var. guessowii) are close to yellow even at the juvenile stage.

Chemical properties

A study of isolates from the fruit bodies of A. caesarea showed that the radial growth (increases in axon's diameter) of this species was possible at pH 6–7, and optimal growth was in a temperature of 24–28 °C (75–82 °F), depending on the isolate. [11]

An investigation of the heavy metal content of mushroom samples found cadmium levels in A. caesarea four times greater than allowed in cultivated mushrooms by European Union standards. The amount of lead in A. caesarea also exceeded allowed levels. The study concluded that the accumulation of heavy metals may be a species-specific property of mushrooms, and that chronic consumption of some mushroom types could potentially be harmful. [12]

A study of the organic acid composition of mushrooms found a relatively high level, about 6 g/kg, in A. caesarea. Malic acid, ascorbic acid, citric acid, ketoglutaric acid, fumaric acid, shikimic acid and traces of succinic acid were detected. Malic and ascorbic acids were the most abundant compounds. [13] Ergosterol has also been isolated from A. caesarea. [14]

Distribution and habitat

A. caesarea specimen from Italy Amanita caesarea.JPG
A. caesarea specimen from Italy

It is found in southern Europe and North Africa, particularly in the hills of northern Italy. It is thought to have been introduced north of the Alps by the Roman armies as it is most frequently found along old Roman roads. [9] The mushroom is also distributed in the Balkans, Hungary, [15] India, [16] Iran [17] and China (Sichuan Province). [18] Although the species is not known to exist in the United States and Canada, it has been collected in Mexico. [19] [20]

In Europe, A. caesarea inhabits primarily oak forests (Quercetum troianae Em. et Ht., Quercetum frainetto-cerris Rudsky. and Quercetum frainetto-cerris macedonicum Oberd., e.g.). It grows individually or in groups from early summer to mid autumn. In warmer climates this mushroom fruits in higher oak woodlands, sometimes mixed with conifers. Thus, in Mexico its natural habitat is oak, pine or fir forests at altitudes of 2,200–3,000 m (7,200–9,800 ft) above sea level, where it prefers plains and can occur at slopes of 20 degrees. [21]

A. caesarea is listed in the Red Data book of Ukraine, [22] and it is protected by law in Croatia, [23] Slovenia, [24] the Czech Republic [25] and Germany. [26]

Uses

A. caesarea is a highly appreciated edible mushroom in Europe. It is traditionally gathered and consumed in Italy, where it is known as ovolo or ovolo buono or "fungo reale". [27] It has been traditionally taken as food in Mexico. There it is consumed roasted with a bit of the herb epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides . The international export market developed in the 1990s. [21]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Amanita muscaria</i> Species of fungus in the genus Amanita

Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a basidiomycete of the genus Amanita. It is a large white-gilled, white-spotted, and usually red mushroom.

<i>Amanita phalloides</i> Poisonous mushroom (death cap)

Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. Widely distributed across Europe, but introduced to other parts of the world since the late twentieth century, A. phalloides forms ectomycorrhizas with various broadleaved trees. In some cases, the death cap has been introduced to new regions with the cultivation of non-native species of oak, chestnut, and pine. The large fruiting bodies (mushrooms) appear in summer and autumn; the caps are generally greenish in colour with a white stipe and gills. The cap colour is variable, including white forms, and is thus not a reliable identifier.

<i>Amanita</i> Genus of mushrooms including some very deadly species

The genus Amanita contains about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic known mushrooms found worldwide, as well as some well-regarded edible species. The genus is responsible for approximately 95% of fatalities resulting from mushroom poisoning, with the death cap accounting for about 50% on its own. The most potent toxin present in these mushrooms is α-Amanitin.

<i>Amanita pantherina</i> Species of fungus

Amanita pantherina, also known as the panther cap, false blusher, and the panther amanita due to its similarity to the true blusher, is a species of fungus found in Eurasia with poisonous and psychoactive properties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amanitaceae</span> Family of fungi

The Amanitaceae is a family of mushroom-forming fungi. Amanita Pers. is one of the most speciose and best-known fungal genera. The family, also commonly called the amanita family, is in order Agaricales, the gilled mushrooms. The family consists primarily of the large genus Amanita, but also includes the smaller genera Amarrendia, Catatrama, Limacella, Limacellopsis, Saproamanita, Torrendia and Zhuliangomyces. Both Amarrendia and Torrendia are considered to be synonymous with Amanita but appear quite different because they are secotioid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agaric</span> Fungal fruiting body

An agaric is a type of fungus fruiting body characterized by the presence of a pileus (cap) that is clearly differentiated from the stipe (stalk), with lamellae (gills) on the underside of the pileus. In the UK, agarics are called "mushrooms" or "toadstools". In North America they are typically called "gilled mushrooms". "Agaric" can also refer to a basidiomycete species characterized by an agaric-type fruiting body.

<i>Amanita xanthocephala</i> Species of fungus

Amanita xanthocephala, known as the vermilion grisette, pretty grisette or vermilion amanita is a colourful mushroom of the genus Amanita. It is found in south Australia in association with Eucalyptus and may be toxic to humans.

<i>Amanita verna</i> Species of fungus

Amanita verna, commonly known as the fool's mushroom or the spring destroying angel, is a deadly poisonous basidiomycete fungus, one of many in the genus Amanita. Occurring in Europe in spring, A. verna associates with various deciduous and coniferous trees. The caps, stipes and gills are all white in colour.

<i>Amanita brunnescens</i> Species of fungus

Amanita brunnescens, also known as the brown American star-footed amanita or cleft-footed amanita is a native North American mushroom of the large genus Amanita. It differs from A. phalloides by its fragile volva and tendency to bruise brown.

<i>Amanita ovoidea</i> Species of fungus

The European white egg, bearded amanita or European egg amidella, is a species of fungus of the genus Amanita in the family Amanitaceae. It is a large, white-colored fungus, often tinged with cream. Native to Europe, it is found on plains as well as mountains in the Mediterranean region. It is similar to some deadly poisonous species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amanita muscaria var. guessowii</span> Variety of fungi

Amanita chrysoblema yellow-orange variant, commonly known as the American yellow fly agaric, is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Amanita. It is one of several varieties of muscaroid fungi, all commonly known as fly agarics or fly amanitas.

<i>Amanita persicina</i> Species of fungus

Amanita persicina, commonly known as the peach-colored fly agaric, is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Amanita with a peach-colored center. Until c. 2015, the fungus was believed to be a variety of A. muscaria.

<i>Amanita regalis</i> Species of fungus

Amanita regalis, commonly known as the royal fly agaric or the king of Sweden Amanita, is a species of fungus in the family Amanitaceae. A. regalis has a scabby liver-brown cap and a stem which is yellow-ochre at the base, with patches or rings of patches. The fruit bodies somewhat resemble the smaller A. muscaria, which it was formerly regarded as a variety of.

<i>Amanita jacksonii</i> Species of fungus

Amanita jacksonii, also known as Jackson's slender amanita, American Slender Caesar, and Eastern Caesar's Amanita, is a North American species of fungus in the family Amanitaceae. It is a reddish-orange colored mushroom species which can be identified by its yellow gills, large, white, sacklike volva.

<i>Amanita rubrovolvata</i> Species of fungus

Amanita rubrovolvata, commonly known as the red volva amanita, is a species of fungus in the family Amanitaceae. The fungus produces small to medium-sized mushrooms, with reddish-orange caps up to 6.5 millimetres wide. The stems are up to 10 cm (4 in) tall, cream-coloured above the ring and cream to yellowish below it. The stem ends in a roughly spherical bulb at the base, which is covered with bright orange patches.

<i>Amanita crocea</i> Species of fungus

Amanita crocea, the saffron ringless amanita, is a species of Amanita widely distributed in Europe. It is not recommended for consumption due to its similarity to poisonous species of the genus.

<i>Amanita ceciliae</i> Species of fungus

Amanita ceciliae, commonly called snakeskin grisette, strangulated amanita, and the Cecilia's ringless amanita, is a basidiomycete fungus in the genus Amanita. First described in 1854 by Miles Joseph Berkeley and Christopher Edmund Broome, it was given its current name by Cornelis Bas in 1984. It is characterized by bearing a large fruit body with a brown cap 5–12 cm (2.0–4.7 in) across. The cap has charcoal-grey patches, which are easily removable. The stipe is 7–18 cm (2.8–7.1 in) long, white in colour, and there is no ring on it. It is slightly tapered to the top, and has irregular cottony bands girdling the base. The universal veil is grey. Spores are white, spherical in shape, non-amyloid, and measure 10.2–11.7 micrometres. The mushrooms are considered edible, but field guides typically advise caution in selecting them for consumption, due to risks of confusion with similar toxic species. A. ceciliae is found in woods throughout Europe and North America, where it fruits during summer and autumn.

<i>Amanita frostiana</i> Species of fungus

Amanita frostiana, also known as Frost's amanita, is a small yellow-to-red fungus found in eastern North America.

<i>Amanita pachycolea</i> Species of fungus

Amanita pachycolea, commonly known as the western grisette or the Stuntz's great ringless amanita, is a species of agaric fungus in the family Amanitaceae.

<i>Amanita chrysoblema</i> Species of fungus

Amanita chrysoblema, with the common name American fly agaric, white variant, is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Amanita. Although named chrysoblema, it is traditionally thought to be an Amanita muscaria variant, a group of fungi commonly known as fly agarics.

References

  1. ↑ Gonçalves, S.C. 2019. Amanita caesarea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T125433663A125435485. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T125433663A125435485.en. Downloaded on 25 September 2021.
  2. ↑ Volk, Tom. "Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month for March 2002" . Retrieved 17 November 2012.
  3. ↑ Scopoli JA. (1772). Flora Carniolica exhibiens Plantas Carnioliae Indigenas et Distributas in Classes, Genera, Species, Varietates ordine Linnaeano. Vol. 2 (in Latin). Vienna: Johann Paul Krauss. p. 419.
  4. ↑ Persoon CH. (1801). Synopsis Methodica Fungorum (in Latin). Gottingae. p. 252.[ permanent dead link ]
  5. ↑ Marley, Greg A. (2010). Chanterelle dreams, amanita nightmares : the love, lore, and mystique of mushrooms. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green Pub. p. 112. ISBN   978-1-60358-214-8.
  6. ↑ Ramsbottom J. (1953). Mushrooms & Toadstools. Collins. p. 6. ISBN   1-870630-09-2.
  7. ↑ Carluccio A. (2003). The Complete Mushroom Book. Quadrille. pp. 23–24. ISBN   1-84400-040-0.
  8. ↑ Chang, Philip G. Miles, Shu-Ting (1997). Mushroom biology : concise basics and current developments. Singapore: World Scientific. p. 139. ISBN   981-02-2877-5.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. 1 2 3 Breitenbach J, Kränzlin F (1995). Fungi of Switzerland 4: Agarics, 2nd Part. p. 146. ISBN   3-85604-240-7.
  10. ↑ Breitenbach J, Kränzlin F (1995). Fungi of Switzerland 4: Agarics, 2nd Part. p. 150. ISBN   3-85604-240-7.
  11. ↑ Daza, A.; Manjón, J. L.; Camacho, M.; Romero de la Osa, L.; Aguilar, A.; Santamaría, C. (15 November 2005). "Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, pH and temperature on in vitro culture of several isolates of Amanita caesarea (Scop.:Fr.) Pers". Mycorrhiza. 16 (2): 133–136. doi:10.1007/s00572-005-0025-6. PMID   16292570. S2CID   86656991.
  12. ↑ Cocchi, Luigi; Vescovi, Luciano; Petrini, Liliane E.; Petrini, Orlando (2006). "Heavy metals in edible mushrooms in Italy". Food Chemistry. 98 (2): 277–284. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.05.068.
  13. ↑ Valentão, Patrícia; Lopes, Graciliana; Valente, Miguel; Barbosa, Paula; Andrade, Paula B.; Silva, Branca M.; Baptista, Paula; Seabra, Rosa M. (1 May 2005). "Quantitation of Nine Organic Acids in Wild Mushrooms". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 53 (9): 3626–3630. doi:10.1021/jf040465z. hdl: 10198/939 . PMID   15853411.
  14. ↑ Yokokawa, H.; Mitsuhashi, T. (1981). "The sterol composition of mushrooms". Phytochemistry. 20 (6): 1349–1351. Bibcode:1981PChem..20.1349Y. doi:10.1016/0031-9422(81)80036-2.
  15. ↑ Zoltan K. (1986). "Mushrooms Of The Vali Forest Central Hungary". Botanikai Kozlemenyek (in Hungarian). 73 (1–2): 49–72. ISSN   0006-8144.
  16. ↑ Rishikesh M. (2003). "Some wild edible mushrooms of Siang valley: Arunachal Pradesh". Plant Archives. 3 (1): 81–84. ISSN   0972-5210.
  17. ↑ Asef M.R. (2020). Field guide of Mushrooms of Iran. Tehran: Iran-Shanasi Press. p. 360. ISBN   9786008351429.
  18. ↑ WeiHong P, BingCheng G, Wei T, Yong G (2003). "Studies on economic mushrooms in Longmen mountain areas". Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences (in Chinese). 16 (1): 36–41. ISSN   1001-4829.
  19. ↑ Castano-Meneses G, Quiroz-Robledo LN (2004). "Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) associated with macromycetes fungus (Fungi: Basidiomycetes) in sierra de Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico". Folia Entomologica Mexicana. 43 (1): 79–86. ISSN   0430-8603.
  20. ↑ Guzmán G, Ramirez-Guillen F (2001). The Amanita caesarea-complex. Vol. 187. Berlin: J. Cramer. ISBN   978-3-443-59089-5.{{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  21. 1 2 Poe, Melissa Renee (2009). Wild Mushrooms, Forest Governance, and Conflict in the Northern Sierra of Oaxaca. p. 139.
  22. ↑ Sarkina IS, Prydiuk MP, Heluta VP (2003). "Macromycetes of Crimea, listed in the red data book of Ukraine". Ukrayins'kyi Botanichnyi Zhurnal. 60 (4): 438–46. ISSN   0372-4123.
  23. ↑ MINISTARSTVO ZAŠTITE OKOLIŠA I PROSTORNOG UREĐENJA
  24. ↑ Al-Sayegh Petkovsek S, Pokorny B, Piltaver A (2003). "The first list of macrofungi from the wider area of the Salek Valley". Zbornik Gozdarstva in Lesarstva (in Slovenian) (72): 83–120. ISSN   0351-3114.
  25. ↑ "Houby pod zákonem, jehož neznalost neomlouvá a pokuta přijde draho". 4 October 2019.
  26. ↑ IT.NRW (21 August 2017). "Pilze sammeln – jetzt schon?". www.lanuv.nrw.de (in German). Retrieved 2021-10-16.
  27. ↑ "ovolo". Enciclopedia Treccani. Treccani. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
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