๐ FLY AGARIC - lat. AMANITA MUSCARIA - a species of the order Agaricales, family Pluteaceae and genus Amanita โ is perhaps the most well-known and demonized species in the entire Fungal Kingdom (to this day demonized by mass media and official toxicologists). Especially during the times of the former Soviet Union, when Siberian shamans, who directly interacted with this mystical entity, also known as the Red Forest Queen - were systematically persecuted and eradicated. Even the deadly poisonous Death Cap lat. Amanita phalloides is not as frequently mentioned and condemned.
๐ Naturally distributed worldwide, except for South America and Australia, where it is considered an invasive species. In our (Baltic states & Nothern Europe) climatic zone, it grows from July to November, primarily forming mycorrhizal associations with birch, spruce or pine trees. It thrives in young forests and their edges. A powerful recreational mushroom. It is NOT fatally poisonous.
๐ Photos were taken by the author in 2023 season.