6 days time lapse of Amanita muscaria & negative geotropism

Amanita muscaria, the Fly Agaric or Soma (to some) metamorphosizes from the button to mature stage in 6 days. Detached from the ground, and although appearing larger, the mushroom does not gain additional mass. The button stage, although having no s…

Amanita muscaria, the Fly Agaric or Soma (to some) metamorphosizes from the button to mature stage in 6 days. Detached from the ground, and although appearing larger, the mushroom does not gain additional mass. The button stage, although having no spores, is programmed genetically to evolve into a sporulating fruit body. Interesting!

*note that this mushroom re-orients itself to be horizontal, a response that is known as 'negative geotropism'. This response is common to most mushrooms which are connected to its mycelial mat. Once picked, some do; some do not.

Chloe Palka