Emma Wilson
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. They are widely featured in folklore, mushroom identification forums, and fungi stories. While some red mushrooms are edible, others are among the most poisonous mushrooms in the world. For example, the Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world and is highly toxic. Another example is the Fistulina hepatica, also known as ox tongue or beefsteak, which is an edible red mushroom common in Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Multiple species of red-coloured mushrooms exist |
| Toxicity | Some red mushrooms are toxic, while others are edible |
| Edible species | Fistulina hepatica, cinnabar red chanterelle, Frost's bolete, Scarlet Elf Cup, Amanita caesarea |
| Toxic species | Poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), Amanita muscaria, Death Cap, Destroying Angel, Funeral Bell |
| Distinguishing features | Bright colours, unique shapes, red cap, gills, ring, spots, warts, bulbous volva, savoury smell |
| Poisoning symptoms | Dizziness, disorientation, convulsions, fainting, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, dysentery, sweating, confusion, tiredness, visual and auditory changes |
| Treatment | Gastric lavage, symptomatic treatment, sedation, benzodiazepines, intubation, ventilation, ECG, fluid and electrolyte monitoring |
Explore related products
$15.49
What You'll Learn
Red mushrooms: toxic vs edible
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. While some varieties are edible, others are among the most poisonous mushrooms. The line between the two is often thin, and they may look similar to the untrained eye. Therefore, it is important to be able to identify the individual mushroom to avoid consuming toxic varieties.
One of the most recognisable red-capped mushrooms is Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita. It is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere and is now also found in the Southern Hemisphere. Amanita muscaria is toxic and can cause poisoning, especially in children and those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare. The bright red colour of the cap is due to the presence of pigments that may also act as a deterrent to predators.
Another variety of red mushroom is Fistulina hepatica, which is edible and found commonly in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. It is also known as "ox tongue" due to its size and shape and is considered a good meat substitute. Fistulina hepatica has a crimson colour and a peculiar shape, and it grows parasitically on trees such as chestnut and oak.
Some general rules for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include staying away from those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base. Additionally, mushrooms with red on the cap or stem, such as Boletes, should be treated as poisonous. However, these rules are not absolute, and there are exceptions, such as the birch bolete, which is edible and turns blue when cut.
In conclusion, while some red mushrooms are edible, it is crucial to accurately identify the individual mushroom before consumption to avoid toxic varieties, as even similar-looking mushrooms can have very different properties.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Natural HPV Treatment?
You may want to see also
Amanita muscaria: the red fly agaric
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world. Its cap is dark red to reddish-orange with creamy-white patches. The red colour may fade after rain and in older mushrooms. The gills are white, as is the spore print. The spores are oval and white. The stipe (stalk) is white and fibrous, with a height of 5–20 cm and a width of 1–2 cm. The base has a bulbous volva with shaggy rings of scales and a large skirt.
Fly agaric is native to the UK and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere, but has also been introduced to the Southern Hemisphere. It grows in woodland and heathland on light soils among birch, pine or spruce. It is a fungus that often forms symbiotic relationships with birch and other trees. It is one of the most distinctive toadstools and indicates the coming of autumn.
Fly agaric has been used by various peoples throughout history. It was traditionally used as an insecticide, with the cap broken up and sprinkled into saucers of milk. It contains ibotenic acid, which attracts and kills flies, and muscimol, which has hallucinogenic effects. While fatal poisonings are extremely rare, fly agaric can cause poisoning, especially in children and those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. It was also used in pre-Christian rituals in northern Europe and Asia during the winter solstice, with shamans wearing special red and white garments to collect the mushrooms.
The bright red cap of fly agaric is due to the presence of pigments that may act as a deterrent to predators. It has been depicted in paintings since the Renaissance and is often featured in popular culture, such as in children's picture books and as decorations during the Christmas holiday.
Overwatering Lawns: A Haven for Mushrooms?
You may want to see also
Red stinkhorn mushrooms
Red mushrooms are indeed fascinating, and one such variety is the red stinkhorn mushroom. Stinkhorn mushrooms are a unique variety known for their putrid odour, which is often described as resembling rotting meat. The stinkhorn mushroom is native to mulch, lawns, and areas with bare soil. They are usually first discovered as immature forms, appearing as whitish to pink or purple, egg-shaped masses. The mature stinkhorns are often red with black accents, and their stalks can be white, red, or pink.
One of the most well-known species of red stinkhorn mushrooms is the Clathrus ruber, commonly known as the "basket stinkhorn", the "lattice stinkhorn", or the "red cage". This species was first illustrated in the 16th century but was not officially described until 1729. The fruit body of the Clathrus ruber initially appears as a whitish "egg" attached to the ground by cords called rhizomorphs. As the egg ruptures, the fruit body expands, and the remains of the peridium form a cup or volva around the base. The mature Clathrus ruber has a dark olive-green to olive-brown, foul-smelling sticky gleba that covers the inner surface of the receptacle. The putrid odour of this mushroom has been well-documented and often elicits strong reactions from people.
Another notable species of red stinkhorn mushroom is the Mutinus elegans, commonly known as the Elegant Stinkhorn. The stalk of this mushroom is typically 4-7 inches tall and 0.5-1 inch wide. The stalk is rough, tapered at both ends, hollow, spongy, and ranges in colour from orange to pink-orange and pink-red. The volva, or the sack at the base of the stalk, is whitish, tough, and wrinkled. The spore mass of the Mutinus elegans is olive green to dull green, slimy, and foul-smelling, covering the upper half or upper third of the stalk.
While stinkhorn mushrooms are generally considered edible in the egg stage and are even considered delicacies in some parts of Europe and Asia, consuming the mature fruit body can be dangerous. There have been reports of poisoning after consuming certain species of stinkhorn mushrooms, such as the Clathrus columnatus. Therefore, it is recommended to correctly identify each fungus to the species level before consumption, as there are several deadly poisonous fungi in the same family.
Mushroom and Salmon: A Culinary Match?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Red mushrooms in folklore
Red mushrooms have a rich history in folklore and mythology, often associated with magic and mystery. One of the most well-known red mushrooms in folklore is the fly agaric, or amanita muscaria, which is easily recognisable by its red cap with white spots. This mushroom has appeared in the folklore of various cultures around the world.
In Slavic mythology, the fly agaric is revered and believed to possess magical properties. It is associated with Veles, the god of earth, waters, forests, and the underworld. In Slavic folklore, people would leave the first mushroom they found in the forest as an offering to Veles.
In Northern European shamanic rituals, the fly agaric is also significant. It is believed to have been used as a hallucinogen by shamans and religious leaders. This mushroom contains toxins that reduce the body's response to fear stimuli, so it may have been ingested by warriors before battles. In Central Europe, the Fly Agaric is associated with the Yule season, and there is a theory that Santa Claus' red-and-white suit originated from the colours of this mushroom.
The fly agaric also appears in Japanese folklore, where it is associated with Tanuki, the raccoon dog. Tanuki is often depicted with a big belly and a wide-brimmed hat, and the mushroom is included in these depictions, adding to the whimsical nature of the character.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, accounts of fly agaric use by Siberian peoples influenced European folklore. It was theorised that the Viking Berserkers ingested this mushroom before battles, leading to their frenzied fighting style.
Beyond the fly agaric, red mushrooms, in general, have symbolic significance in folklore. They are often connected with fairies, elves, and other mythical creatures. The image of a fairy circle, or a ring of mushrooms, is prominent in European folklore. These rings are believed to be portals to the fairy realm or places where fairies dance and celebrate. Humans are warned not to step into these circles, as they may become invisible or be transported to the fairy realm.
Mushrooms and Chemo: A Safe Mix?
You may want to see also
Identifying red mushrooms
Red mushrooms are fascinating due to their bright colours and unique shapes. They sometimes sprout in lawns, creating beautiful clusters of red and orange hues. However, the line between poisonous and edible mushrooms is often thin as they all look similar to the untrained eye. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately identify a red mushroom before consuming it.
One of the most common types of red-capped mushrooms is Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita. It is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. The red colour may fade after rain and in older mushrooms. The mushroom is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere and has been naturalized in the Southern Hemisphere. It is widely recognisable and exhibits complex genetic diversity. While it is poisonous, fatal poisonings are extremely rare.
Another variety of red edible mushrooms is Fistulina hepatica, which is common in Europe, especially in forested areas. It is also found in North America, Africa, and Australia. It is referred to as "ox tongue" or "beefsteak" due to its resemblance to a tongue or meat in terms of size, shape, and texture. It has a red fluid that resembles blood, and some liken its appearance to that of the liver. This mushroom is parasitic and saprophytic, growing on tree species such as chestnut and oak.
The poison fire coral mushroom, scientifically known as Podostroma cornu-damae, is one of the deadliest poisonous red mushrooms. Its toxins can be absorbed through the skin, and its bright red colour serves as a warning signal to potential predators. It thrives in Asia and Australia, growing near mulch, decomposing plants, soil, and wood chips.
To accurately identify a red mushroom, it is recommended to accompany an experienced mushroom hunter to learn how to identify wild mushrooms for consumption. Creating a spore print can also be a helpful identification method. Some general rules for avoiding poisonous mushrooms include avoiding those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base. Additionally, mushrooms with red on the cap or stem should be avoided to be cautious.
Mushroom Measurements: Cups in a Pound
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, red mushrooms do exist.
Some red mushrooms are edible, such as Fistulina hepatica, cinnabar red chanterelle, and Frost's bolete. However, many red mushrooms are toxic, such as the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria).
It is imperative that you correctly identify the mushroom before consuming it. Some sources suggest that Agarics that stain pale yellow, pink, or red and smell pleasant are edible, while those that stain bright chrome yellow and smell unpleasant are toxic. However, it is important to note that there are toxic Agarics that look very similar to edible ones.
Some of the most well-known toxic red mushrooms include the fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), the poison fire coral (Podostroma cornu-damae), and the funeral bell.
While some red mushrooms are toxic, others, like reishi, can provide unique health-supporting properties when taken as a supplement.
