Michael Davis
Red mushrooms are often perceived as toxic, and while many have evolved toxins as a defence mechanism, not all red mushrooms are poisonous. For example, the Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is a large white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world and can cause poisoning due to psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid, but fatal poisonings are extremely rare. Another example is the Jack O'Lantern mushroom, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. On the other hand, the red-capped Mexican species A. basii is edible. It is important to note that mushroom identification cannot be improvised, and even experts can make mistakes. If you are unsure about a mushroom's identity or condition, do not eat it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Fly agaric, fly amanita, fly swatter, the sickener |
| Scientific name | Amanita Muscaria |
| Colour | Bright red cap with white spots |
| Size | 8-20 centimetres in diameter |
| Shape | Globose to hemispherical, then plate-like and flat in mature specimens |
| Smell | Mild earthiness |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, causes gastrointestinal problems, hallucinations and convulsions |
| Treatment | Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 |
| Lookalikes | Chanterelles, Jack O'Lantern, Shaggy Mane, Armillaria cf. mellea, A. basii, A. caesarea, A. xanthocephala, A. virosa, A. bisporigera, Destroying Angel |
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What You'll Learn
- Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as Fly Agaric, is toxic and can cause poisoning
- Red mushrooms like the Jack O'Lantern can cause gastrointestinal distress
- Red mushrooms with white gills are often poisonous
- The Destroying Angel is a deadly mushroom that resembles common edible mushrooms
- Amanita Muscaria has been used for ritual purposes and is being studied for its psychotropic effects
Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as Fly Agaric, is toxic and can cause poisoning
Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as Fly Agaric, is a toxic mushroom that can cause poisoning. It is a large, white-gilled mushroom with a distinctive bright red cap covered in white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world and is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere.
Fly Agaric gets its name from its traditional use as an insecticide, specifically for killing flies. It contains toxins such as ibotenic acid and muscimol, which can cause hallucinations and neurological disorders if ingested in large quantities. While fatal poisonings are extremely rare, symptoms of poisoning include gastrointestinal problems, hallucinations, and convulsions.
Amanita Muscaria has a complex genetic diversity, suggesting it is a species complex rather than a single species. It has been used for ritual purposes, especially in Siberia, and is now being studied for its psychotropic effects. The mushroom is also associated with popular culture, often depicted in children's picture books and paintings.
Despite its toxicity, Amanita Muscaria can be made edible through careful preparation. The toxins are water-soluble and can be removed through careful and prolonged boiling. However, it is important to note that improper preparation can lead to serious intoxication, as in the case of an American couple who forgot to discard the water containing the toxins.
Amanita Muscaria should not be consumed without proper knowledge and preparation methods. While it may be edible under certain conditions, it is a seriously toxic mushroom that can cause poisoning and, in rare cases, even death.
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Red mushrooms like the Jack O'Lantern can cause gastrointestinal distress
While not all red mushrooms are poisonous, many of them are. The bright red colour of certain mushrooms, such as the Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) and the Jack O'Lantern, is a warning signal to deter animals and humans from consuming them. The Jack O'Lantern mushroom, in particular, can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to distinguish edible mushrooms from toxic ones, as consuming poisonous mushrooms can lead to serious health risks and even permanent damage.
Amanita Muscaria, also known as the "Fly Agaric" or "Fly Amanita", is a well-known red-capped mushroom with distinctive white warts. While fatal poisonings are rare, it contains toxins such as ibotenic acid and muscimol, which can cause hallucinations, gastrointestinal problems, and convulsions.
The Jack O'Lantern mushroom is a toxic variety that resembles the edible Chanterelle mushroom. It has true gills that end abruptly along the stem, and these gills emit a soft greenish glow at night. Consuming this mushroom can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress.
To identify edible mushrooms safely, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines. Firstly, examine the colour of the gills, as white gills often indicate a poisonous mushroom. Secondly, pay attention to the aroma; edible mushrooms typically have a pleasant earthy scent, while poisonous varieties may have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odour. Thirdly, be cautious of mushrooms with a volva, a bulbous growth at the base of the stem, especially if it has a coloured ring, as this is often a sign of toxicity. Finally, always exercise caution and consult a mycological expert if you are unsure about a mushroom's edibility.
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Red mushrooms with white gills are often poisonous
While not all red mushrooms are poisonous, many of them are. Red mushrooms with white gills are often poisonous, and you should avoid eating them unless you know the variety with certainty. One such mushroom is Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita. It is a large, white-gilled mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world and is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It contains toxins such as ibotenic acid and muscimol, which can cause hallucinations and neurological disorders if ingested in large quantities. While fatal poisonings are extremely rare, it is important to exercise caution when encountering red mushrooms with white gills.
Another example of a red mushroom with white gills to avoid is the Jack O'Lantern mushroom, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress. It is important to distinguish it from Chanterelles, which are often recommended for beginner foragers but may have a similar appearance. To identify the Jack O'Lantern mushroom, look for true gills that end abruptly along the stem, forming a series of holes.
In general, mushroom identification can be challenging, and even experts can misidentify edible and poisonous varieties. It is crucial to be 100% certain about the identification of a mushroom before consuming it. If you are unsure, it is best to consult a mycological expert or use a proper guidebook or online resource.
Additionally, it is important to consider other characteristics common among poisonous mushrooms. For example, a volva, or a bulbous growth at the base of the stem, is typically a sign of a poisonous variety, especially if it has a coloured ring. Poisonous mushrooms may also have an acrid, chemical, or fishy odour, deviating from the pleasant earthy aroma typically associated with edible mushrooms.
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The Destroying Angel is a deadly mushroom that resembles common edible mushrooms
While red mushrooms like the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) are often poisonous, not all of them are dangerous. The colour red in mushrooms is generally a warning signal to predators, indicating toxicity or inedibility. However, some red mushrooms are edible.
The Destroying Angel (Amanita bisporigera) is a deadly mushroom that resembles common edible mushrooms. It is one of the most toxic known mushrooms and is responsible for the majority of deaths due to mushroom poisoning. The toxin responsible for its deadly effects is amatoxin, which inhibits RNA polymerase II and III. This toxin causes liver and kidney failure and can lead to death. The Destroying Angel is characterised by its white gills and stalk, with a cap that can be pure white or have yellowish, pinkish, or tan hues at the centre. It is often found in woodlands, lawns, or grassy meadows near trees or shrubs.
The Destroying Angel's similarity to edible mushrooms has led to tragic cases of poisoning, especially among immigrants who mistake it for similar-looking edible mushrooms from their homelands. Its beauty, pleasant aroma, and peelability can be deceiving, as it contains potent toxins that are not denatured by cooking. Consuming half of one of these mushrooms can be deadly for an adult. The symptoms of Destroying Angel poisoning may not appear until several hours after ingestion, starting with severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pains. This is followed by a brief recovery period before the condition deteriorates, leading to death from kidney and liver failure if left untreated.
It is crucial to properly identify mushrooms before consumption. Slicing suspected Destroying Angels in half longitudinally can help reveal internal mushroom structures that distinguish them from puffballs. Additionally, it is recommended to know how to recognise both the Destroying Angel and the similarly toxic Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) in all their forms before collecting any white-gilled mushrooms for consumption.
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Amanita Muscaria has been used for ritual purposes and is being studied for its psychotropic effects
Amanita Muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a large white-gilled mushroom with a bright red cap and white spots. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world. The use of Amanita Muscaria for ritual and intoxicating purposes has been reported in several cultures, with the Siberians and the Sami people being the main users of this mushroom.
Amanita Muscaria contains the toxins ibotenic acid, muscimol, and muscazone, which cause hallucinations and neurological disorders. The onset of symptoms after ingestion occurs within 0.5-2 hours, and most intoxications clear within the first 5-24 hours. However, severe intoxications can have lasting clinical effects. Symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, CNS depression or excitation, confusion, dizziness, dysphoria, visual hallucinations, agitation, ataxia, muscle fasciculation, seizures, and coma, depending on the amount consumed.
Despite the potential dangers of consuming Amanita Muscaria, it has been used in various rituals and cultural practices. For example, in remote areas of Lithuania, it has been consumed at wedding feasts, mixed with vodka. Marija Gimbutas reported that the Lithuanians exported Amanita Muscaria to the Sami people in the Far North for use in shamanic rituals. In addition, Finnish historian T. I. Itkonen mentions the use of Amanita Muscaria among the Sami people, with sorcerers in Inari consuming the mushroom with seven spots.
Amanita Muscaria is also being studied for its psychotropic effects. While there is currently no clinical evidence supporting its use as a therapy, some individuals still forage or cultivate this fungus for its psychoactive properties. Internet botanical vendors often sell Amanita Muscaria for its psychoactive effects, sometimes misleadingly marketing it as a psilocybin-type product. However, experts warn that consumers have a right to know what substance they are taking and receive accurate information about its potential health benefits and risks.
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