Amanita mushrooms

Amanita (scientific name: Amanita) contains about 600 toadstool species, including some of the world's most poisonous mushrooms, but also some edible mushrooms. Mushrooms in this genus account for 95% of deaths from poisonous mushrooms, of which 50% are poison goose alone. The most potent toxic ingredient found in these mushrooms was alpha-ammonin. This genus also contains many edible mushrooms, but mycologists do not encourage mushroom hunters. Except for experts with sufficient knowledge, any mushroom in this genus is selected for human consumption. Nonetheless, some amanita mushrooms are the dominant local edible species during the growing season group. Some examples are Amanita zambiana and other succulent species in Central Africa, A. basii and similar species in Mexico, white-orange covered amanita in Europe, and white-stripe amanita in Southeast Asia. There are also some used to make coloring seasonings, such as the red A. jacksonii, which is widely grown in eastern Canada and eastern Mexico. Many species of this genus are currently unknown whether they are edible, especially in countries such as Australia where many strains are only known.