Interactions

At first glance and inspection of the Amanita phalloides, it  would appear that there is not a single type of interaction between this fungus and any other type of living material. Surely, no organism could withstand the potency of the poison that claims even humans.  Yet, with  much closer scrutiny  and  insight, a grand revelation is    revealed. For in fact, the Amanita    phalloides does have a mutualistic   relationship with a variety of   species of trees. But the most   prevalent interaction lies with the   oak  tree. The oak  tree, clearly   displayed on the right, shares a     mutualistic relation with the Death   cap. To see another example of a    mutualist look at the British Soldier  Lichen. The Death cap is an    endomycorrhizal fungus meaning the hyphae of the fungus  are embedded with in the roots of the tree. By penetrating the cell wall and cell membrane of the plant cell with the fungal hyphae, the relationship can begin and  flourish.  This relationship allows for multiple benefits to both organisms without any detriment to either organism. In this relationship the oak tree receives mainly nitrogen to help facilitate processes and reactions within the tree during its lifespan. The fungus then receives sugars and nutrients through photosynthesis of the tree. Since the fungus cannot perform photosynthesis to make their own food, a mutualistic relationship with a tree of any kind greatly benefits the fungus and its' survival.

Although not classified as a direct relationship, the  Amanita phalloides shares interactions with all other organisms because of the poisonous qualities that it contains. Just a touch, or ingestion of this fungus begins to break down the kidney and liver of any helpless creature that may stumble upon it.
 



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