Amanita caesarea

Amanita caesarea, commonly known as the Caesar's mushroom, is a species of fungus in the family Amanitaceae. It is a highly regarded edible mushroom, particularly in Southern Europe, and is named after Julius Caesar.

Taxonomy

The Amanita caesarea was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The species name caesarea refers to Caesar, as this mushroom was a favorite of the Roman emperors.

Description

The Amanita caesarea is a large mushroom, with a cap ranging from 8 to 20 cm in diameter. The cap is smooth and bright orange or red, with a striate margin. The gills are free and white, and the stem is also white, with a distinctive ring and a bulbous base.

Distribution and habitat

The Amanita caesarea is native to Southern Europe and North Africa, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia. It grows in deciduous and mixed forests, particularly in association with oak and chestnut trees.

Edibility

The Amanita caesarea is considered a delicacy in many cultures, and is often used in Italian cuisine. However, it should be noted that it can be easily confused with other, potentially toxic, species of Amanita, and should therefore only be consumed if positively identified by an expert.

See also

• List of Amanita species
• Mushroom hunting
• Mushroom poisoning