stripes and usually has many fibrils (short section of hyphae) projecting from the surface, to produce a fine, hairy appearance. Further, it stains more rapidly than A. aestivalis. A. asteropus (the "European star-footed Amanita") is cream to yellow color, and differs from A. aestivalis in its reaction to chemical tests. It is only known from Europe. Habitat, distribution, and ecology Amanita aestivalis is a mycorrhizal species, meaning it forms a mutualistic relationship in which the vegetative hyphae of the fungus grow around and enclose the tiny roots of trees and shrubs. In this way, the plant is better able to absorb phosphorus and other soil nutrients, while the fungus receives moisture, protection, and nutritive byproducts of the plant's metabolism. Fruit bodies of the fungus grow on the ground in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests. A preference has been noted for oak woods containing Tsuga or Pinus species, as well as beech wood with Picea, Abies, and Betula''. Fruit bodies typically appear from late June until autumn. In North America, it has been found in the states of New England, as well as Alabama, New York, and Virginia. The distribution extends north to the southeastern provinces of Canada and south to Florida. See also List of Amanita species References External links Aestivalis Fungi of North America Fungi described in 1959 Taxa named by Rolf Singer