Technical Description. (t.b.d.)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Following description based on Reid (1980).

The cap of Amanita variabilis is 37 mm wide, convex, white, brown, almost translucent.

The gills are adnexed, creamy-white, and close.

The stem is 37 x 9 mm, finally hollow, 20 mm wide bulb, short, sometimes fibrillose, with no volval remnants. A marked skirt-like ring is present. The flesh is white with a translucent brown pith in the center. The white of the bulb turns slightly brownish.

The odor is "rather strong."

The spores measure 6.5 - 9.0 x 4.8 - 6.0  µm and are broadly ellipsoid to ovate and amyloid.

This species was originally described from the state of South Australia. No ecological information was provided. Amanita variabilis  is known only from the type collection from the National Park in South Australia. 

Reid observes that Gilbert's comparison to this species to Amanita brunnescens G. F. Atk. is not appropriate. In my opinion, the water-soaked appearance of the stipe's "pith" and the watery marks between the cap and gills also in the original collector's notes indicate that the fruiting body had been soaked by rain. These characteristics are not uncommon with amanitas in that condition. -- R. E. Tulloss

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Last changed 27  June 2005.
This page is maintained by R. E. Tulloss.
Copyright 2005 by Rodham E. Tulloss.