Panther cap
Amanita pantherina
The panther cap is a poisonous Amanita with a brown cap covered in pure white warts. It is more toxic than the fly agaric, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating and hallucinations. Its flesh does not blush when cut, the key feature separating it from the similar blusher.
Where it's found
Broadleaf woods, especially beech, less often conifer woods and rarely meadows, in late summer and autumn.
Distribution
Found across Europe and western Asia; probably introduced to South Africa with imported trees.
Similar species
Identification suggestions (from the community or from AI) and the information here may be wrong; this app never confirms that anything is safe to eat. Do not consume wild plants, mushrooms or seafood without expert confirmation. Nothing here is medical advice.