Amanita pantherina is currently classified under the family Amanitaceae, although it was previously thought to belong to the family Agaricaceae.8 Molecular phylogenetic studies indicate A. pantherina is a close relative to the well-studied Amanita muscaria; however it is most closely related to Amanita subglobosa, a very morphologically similar species that is also differentiated by the presence of clamps at the basidial bases.16 Phylogenetic research also indicates significant differences between Eurasian and North American varieties of A. pantherina, suggesting a close but relatively old relationship between the two continental populations.9
Amanita pantherina physically appears similar to its more well-known relative Amanita muscaria, albeit smaller in size and less vibrantly colored. The cap of the fruiting body of the fungus can vary from yellow-gray to brown, while the stipe is often white or tan.17 The cap also has a viscid surface when fresh and possesses striate margins.8 The cap ranges from 3-18 cm in diameter, and has a convex shape before maturity, growing more planar with age. 7, 13 Whitish-brown warts are uniformly distributed across the top of the cap, though they may be washed off by heavy rains. 6 The cap primarily consists of filamentous, undifferentiated branching hyphae roughly 1.5-7.5 µm in width.15 The gills are typically adnexed or free from the stem, closely crowded, and are white in color, becoming melanized with age.6, 15 The stipe can vary in length from 4-20 cm and up to 2.5 cm in diameter.7 The stipe tapers off to a large white bulb at the base with a skirt-like ring above it. The bulb typically measures around 2-3.5 cm thick.6 Within the gills, the basidia lack basal clamps and are typically colorless, possessing 4 sterigmata.13,9 Spores produced are typically smooth, ellipsoid and apiculate, about 8-14 by 6-10 µm, inamyloid, and either white or colorless with a hyaline appearance.7, 6
Amanita pantherina is an ectomychorrizal species primarily found in coniferous and deciduous forests in temperate to subalpine regions, particularly under conifers such as firs and pines, as well as deciduous aspen species.2, 5, 6 They have been found widespread, nearly globally throughout the forests of North and Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, although some specimens are believed to be misidentified variants of A. pantherina, or are other species completely, such as its close relative Amanita subglobosa.9, 15 A. pantherina can be found fruiting in both spring and fall seasons.6
Amanita pantherina contains many of the same toxic, psychoactive compounds as Amanita muscaria in similar concentrations, including isoxazoles such as ibotenic acid (IBO) and muscamol.1, 10, 14 Muscamol binds to γ-aminobutyric recepters, producing a mild sedative effect, while IBO serves as an excitatory amino acid, which binds to glutamine receptors, resulting in feelings of agitation and delirium.4 Symptoms of poisoning from this species typically begin within an hour and can include anxiety, hallucinations, impaired speech, nausea, seizures, and a deep coma-like sleep.4 However, symptoms typically disappear within 6 hours of consumption in mild cases.11 Effects may vary depending on the amount ingested. However, while still toxic, death very rarely occurs as a result of Amanita pantherina consumption. Hospitalization and symptomatic care as needed will help treat a victim suffering from Amanita pantherina poisoning.4
Amanita pantherina, commonly referred to as the panther mushroom12, panther cap3, 4, or European Panther15, is a toxic basidiomycete fungus belonging to the genus Amanita. Originally thought to be a member of the genus Agaricus, it was first discovered in France and described by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in 1815 as Agaricus pantherinus. It is generally credited to both de Candolle and Swedish mycologist Elias Magnus Fries, who also described the species as Agaricus pantherina in 1821. The species was later reclassified under the genus Amanita in 1836 by Julius Vincenz von Krombholz to its current name, Amanita pantherina, or more specifically Amanita pantherina var. pantherina.15
This source provides several high-quality pictures of Amanita pantherina, in addition to helpful information pertaining to taxonomy, morphology, and habitat distribution.
This site provides some helpful information about A. pantherina's morphology, ecology and distribution, and taxonomy, as well as information about its relative species.
This source provides excellent photographs of A. pantherina, as well as extensive background information about the species' morphology, taxonomy, and ecology.
Amanita pantherina, also known as the panther cap, false blusher, and the panther amanita[1] due to its similarity to the true blusher (Amanita rubescens), is a species of fungus found in Europe and Western Asia.
Other than the brownish cap with white warts, distinguishing features of Amanita pantherina include the collar-like roll of volval tissue at the top of the basal bulb, and the elliptical, inamyloid spores. Contrary to the Amanita rubescens the panther cap does not color red/pink ("blush") when the flesh is damaged, hence its name "false blusher". This is a key feature in differentiating both species.
The panther cap is an uncommon mushroom, found in both deciduous, especially beech and, less frequently, coniferous woodland and rarely meadows throughout Europe, western Asia in late summer and autumn.[4] It has also been recorded from South Africa, where it is thought to have been accidentally introduced with trees imported from Europe, Asia[5] and on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.[6] It is common in urban areas from winter to spring.[7]
It is an ectomycorrhizal fungus, living in root symbiosis with a tree, deriving photosynthesised nutrients from it and providing soil nutrients in return.
A. pantherina contains the psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol,[8] two psychoactive constituents which can cause effects such as hallucinations, synaesthesia, euphoria, dysphoria and retrograde amnesia. The effects of muscimol and ibotenic acid most closely resemble that of a Z drug, like Ambien at high doses, and not a classical psychedelic, e.g. psilocybin.
A. pantherina is also toxic; if consumed fresh, it may not be fatal to humans, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and hyperhidrosis, which can lead to severe dehydration.
A. pantherina is used as an entheogen much less often than its much more distinguishable relative Amanita muscaria, largely due to being less recognizable and far more potent[9], containing a higher concentration of ibotenic acid. While ibotenic acid is mostly broken down into the body to muscimol, what remains of the ibotenic acid is believed to cause the majority of dysphoric effects of consuming psychedelic Amanita species. Ibotenic acid is also a scientifically important neurotoxin used in lab research as a brain-lesioning agent in mice.[10][11]
As with other wild-growing mushrooms, the ratio of ibotenic acid to muscimol depends on countless external factors, including: season, age, and habitat - and percentages will naturally vary from mushroom-to-mushroom — with dark brown A. pantherina specimens having a greater concentration of ibotenic acid.[7]
A. pantherina var. pantherinoides, the Western panther amanita, is considered inedible and possibly poisonous.[2] Varieties multisquamosa and velatipes are considered poisonous.[12]
A. muscaria and A. pantherina are illegal to buy, sell, or possess in the Netherlands since December 2008. Possession of amounts larger than 0.5 g dried or 5 g fresh lead to a criminal charge.[13]
Amanita ameripathera
Spore print
Amanita pantherina, also known as the panther cap, false blusher, and the panther amanita due to its similarity to the true blusher (Amanita rubescens), is a species of fungus found in Europe and Western Asia.
