About Amanita xanthocephala (Berk.) D.A.Reid & R.N.Hilton
This species, Amanita xanthocephala, is a ringless mushroom. Its cap ranges from yellowish to reddish-orange, with deeper color toward the center, and has paler warts of a similar shade. The cap reaches 3 to 5 centimetres (1 to 2 inches) in diameter. The gills and slim, ringless stipe are pale yellow or white. The white volva has a distinct outturned lip, and is often bordered with orange or yellow. A. xanthocephala occurs in southwest Western Australia, and also in southeastern Australia ranging from around Adelaide to Southeast Queensland. It grows specifically in eucalypt forests, and forms an ectomycorrhizal relationship with Eucalyptus trees. Like its close relative Amanita muscaria, this species is reported to be toxic. In 1997, there was one recorded case of a person becoming seriously ill after tasting a small piece of this mushroom.
