AA+

Description

AA+ (Albino A+) is one of the most well-known leucistic varieties and has remained a favorite among collectors and mycology enthusiasts for decades. Although its name includes the word “Albino,” AA+ is not considered a true albino. Instead, it is classified as a leucistic variety, meaning it displays a significant reduction in pigmentation while still producing the dark purple-brown spores. True albino varieties, by comparison, lack pigmentation entirely and typically produce transparent or nearly colorless spores.

AA+ is widely believed to have originated as a naturally occurring pale mutation of the classic A+ (A-Strain), a variety that was originally distributed through Ralphsters Spores. While the complete history of the mutation has never been formally documented, AA+ has been preserved and shared within the mycology community for many years and is now regarded as one of the foundational leucistic cubensis genetics.

One of AA+’s most recognizable qualities is its clean, elegant appearance. Mature specimens commonly produce bright white to cream-colored stems topped with caps ranging from snowy white to soft ivory. As they mature, some mushrooms may develop subtle tan, silver, or faint bluish hues across the cap surface. The fruiting bodies also exhibit the characteristic deep blue bruising associated with the species, creating a dramatic contrast against their pale coloration while still producing the dark spores that distinguish leucistic varieties from true albinos.

AA+ has played an important role in the history of modern mushroom genetics. As one of the earliest widely distributed leucistic varieties, it introduced many collectors and breeders to reduced-pigmentation genetics and helped inspire future breeding projects. Its influence can still be seen in several contemporary cultivars, and community discussions frequently identify AA+ as part of the lineage behind varieties such as Moby Dick, although the complete ancestry of some modern hybrids remains the subject of ongoing discussion.