Limacella

Limacella is a genus of mushrooms in the family Amanitaceae, within the order Agaricales. The genus comprises several described species that are morphologically distinct from other mushrooms, yet they often resemble Amanita at a glance. Limacella species are terrestrial, producing saprotrophic fruit bodies that range from small to medium in size.

Macroscopic features commonly include a convex to planoconvex or slightly depressed cap that is often sticky or gelatinous when moist. Cap color varies widely, including tan, brown, and yellowish tones, with surfaces that may be smooth or slightly zonate. The gills are typically pale and range from adnate to free. The stipe is generally slender to stout and may bear a ring (annulus); a bulbous base with veil remnants is common, and in some species a veiled base can resemble a volva. The spore print is white.

Ecology and distribution: Limacella species grow on soil in forests, grasslands, and disturbed habitats, usually as saprotrophs, and occasionally in association with decaying wood. They have a worldwide distribution, with records in temperate and tropical regions.

Taxonomy and safety: Molecular data place Limacella within the Amanitaceae, closely related to Amanita. Because many species resemble toxic Amanita and other deadly fungi, accurate identification is essential, particularly for foragers. The edibility of Limacella species is not well established; several species are considered potentially poisonous, and consumption is generally discouraged.

Notes: The genus has undergone taxonomic revisions as new molecular and morphological data become available. Identification relies on a combination of macroscopic traits and microscopic features, including spore shape and size.