Amanita
gemmata s.l. (Fries) Bertillon
Synonym: Amanita junquillea (Quelet)
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| The taxonomy of the cluster of species around A. gemmata has not been fully resolved in the Pacific Northwest, hence collections need to be treated in a broad sense. The European literature lists many variations and forms -- except for the habitat specific ones, the rest seem poorly supported by strong diagnostic characters. There are many collections that are hard to define to a species level although that they fit well into the general gemmata/pantherina concept. Future critical studies may shed more light on the subject. The basic features of the Gemmatoid Amanitas are: (1) Yellowish pileal color overall ; (2) Collapsed or missing annulus at maturity (!!); (3) Universal veil that typically leaves flatter and larger patches than A. pantherina; (4) Inamyloid spores of length 9-11µ and average Q-ratio of 1.3. (5) Unclamped basidia. There are numerous forms that tend to integrate with A. pantherina. The characteristics of the breaking veil on the cap are highly variable and cannot be used as a primary diagnostic character. | ||
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Other Interesting Gemmatoid Collections |
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  This slender version of a Gemmatoid Amanita occurs early in the season in Salt Point State Park. |
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Amanita X
-- this species is particularly common under Bishop pine
(mainly SPSP) and resembles A. velosa at the early stages --
the outer veil being particularly thick, soft and cottony. Microscopically
it falls nicely within the gemmata group -- inamyloid
spores of Q ~1.3 and unclamped basidia. I have compared it to A.
breckonii, but it is not.    |
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  vs. A. pantherina. |
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