<i>Amanita phalloides</i> in Northwest European Russia

Abstract

The article reviews available data on the “death cap” (Amanita phalloides) occurrences in the North-West of the European Russia (Leningrad, Novgorod, Pskov Oblasts and St. Petersburg City). The literature data are analyzed, the review of ecological preferences of the species in the studied area is carried out. It has been suggested that the species can be both native and imported and was introduced with broad-leaved tree seedlings during the foundation of numerous manor parks in the XVIII–XIX centuries. Molecular-genetic analysis was carried out, showing that ITS sequences of A. phalloides samples from Leningrad Oblast form a common clade with the sequences of collections from Central Russia as well as from Northern and Central Europe.