Rediscovery and Typification of Amanita From the Cork Groves of Morocco

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this work is to study, to rediscover, and to classify the Amanita mushrooms found in the cork oak forests of Morocco. Methods and Results: Surveys were conducted in various regions of Morocco (Mamora, Northwest, Rif) allowing for the collection of infor-mation on the Amanita species encountered. In the laboratory, macroscopic and microscopic identification criteria for these species were established. In total, twenty-nine species (29) werwe recorded. Among these, five were not found (Amanita codinae, Amanita eliae, Amanita excelsa, Amanita gemmata, and Amanita porphyria). The remaining twenty-four species (24) are con-sistent with the vegetation formations of Morocco. The systematic position, ecology, edibility, and toxicity risks of all the studied species were discussed. Conclusion and Application of the Research: The results of this study contribute to determining the diversity of the Amanita genus in Morocco highlighting that the Moroccan forest ecosystem still holds many mysteries to uncover.