Amanita abrupta? Peck

Photograph by R. E. Halling ©, 1996

Another member of sect. Lepidella, this taxon appears to be distributed from Hidalgo, Mexico south to the Cordillera Talamanca. Known associates are: Quercus copeyensis, Q. seemanii, and Q. costaricensis in Costa Rica. This agaric can be characterized by the split, abruptly bulbous base, viscid pileus, pallid colors and a rufescence when injured or handled. Also, it has an unpleasant odor, like many Lepidellas, frequently referred to as "chloride of lime," "old ham," or "dirty gym socks." Of note is that the entire basidiome is positive for laccase, a rare and probably primitive trait among Amanitas.

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