Emily Johnson
Mushrooms come in many shapes and sizes, and their names are equally varied. Some mushroom names are derived from their physical characteristics, such as the yellow stainer, which turns chrome yellow when handled, or the wood blewit, which has a pinky-lilac colour reminiscent of naked skin. Other names are more whimsical, like the silky piggyback, which has fine hairs on its cap, or the wolf's milk slime mould, which oozes a coral-coloured milk full of spores. Some mushrooms have multiple names, reflecting regional and cultural differences, such as the king oyster mushroom, also known as the trumpet royale or French horn mushroom. Still, others are known by their scientific names, like Agaricus bisporus, commonly known as the button mushroom, or Amanita muscaria, or fly agaric, recognised by its bright red cap with white spots.
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What You'll Learn
Common names vs scientific names
Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi, with over 14,000 species described. The term "mushroom" is loosely used to describe various fungal fruiting bodies, and accurate identification of edible and poisonous mushrooms is challenging. The common names of mushrooms often reflect their unique characteristics, while scientific names provide a more precise and standardised nomenclature.
Common names for mushrooms can vary by region and culture, and some mushrooms have multiple common names. For example, the mushroom "Agaricus bisporus" is known by several common names, including "button mushroom", "portobello", "cremini", "baby bellas", and "champignon". Common names can be descriptive of the mushroom's appearance, such as "magic mushrooms" or "'shrooms" for Psilocybe mushrooms, which refer to their psychedelic properties. Similarly, the "common stinkhorn" has a scientific name that literally translates to "shameless phallus", reflecting its phallic shape. Other common names may arise from folklore, such as "King Alfred's cakes", which are so-called because of a story involving King Alfred and a peasant woman's burnt cakes.
On the other hand, scientific names for mushrooms follow a standardised format, typically using Latin binomials. For instance, the aforementioned "Agaricus bisporus" is a combination of the genus name "Agaricus" and the species name "bisporus". These names often describe characteristics of the mushroom, such as "grifola", meaning "grouped together", and "frondosa", meaning "leafy", in the scientific name "Grifola frondosa" for Maitake mushrooms. Scientific names can also describe the mushroom's growth pattern, as seen in "Inonotus obliquus", or "Chaga", where "obliquus" refers to the angle at which the mushroom's fruiting body attaches to its host tree.
While common names are more colloquial and accessible, scientific names provide a universal language for accurate identification and communication about mushrooms. They offer insight into the mushroom's characteristics and relationships within the fungal kingdom. However, it's worth noting that the absence of a universally accepted common name for some mushrooms can lead to confusion, especially when certain common names are shared across multiple species.
In conclusion, both common and scientific names serve distinct purposes in the world of mycology. Common names provide a familiar and often colourful way of referring to mushrooms, while scientific names offer a standardised and informative nomenclature. Together, they contribute to our understanding and appreciation of the diverse and fascinating world of mushrooms.
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Mushrooms with psychoactive properties
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that belongs to the kingdom Fungi. They are widely consumed and can be identified by their macroscopic structure, which includes the presence of juices, bruising reactions, odours, tastes, shades of colour, habitat, and season. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties, commonly known as "magic mushrooms". These mushrooms contain psilocybin, a hallucinogenic substance that produces psychoactive effects when ingested. The effects of psilocybin vary widely and may include euphoria, hallucinations, and sensory distortion. The quantity of the drug consumed and individual factors such as past experiences and expectations can influence the effects of psilocybin.
Psilocybin mushrooms have a long history of cultural use and may have been depicted in Stone Age rock art in Africa and Europe. They are also represented in pre-Columbian sculptures and glyphs throughout the Americas. In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms are used recreationally, often at dance clubs or by individuals seeking a transcendent spiritual experience. The first mention of hallucinogenic mushrooms in European medicinal literature was in the London Medical and Physical Journal in 1799, where a family in London experienced hallucinations after consuming Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms.
The most common species of psilocybin mushrooms include Psilocybe cubensis, P. semilanceata, and P. cyanescens. P. cubensis, also known as P. cubensis, is the most popular species and is found in tropical and subtropical conditions, often near cattle. P. semilanceata is widely distributed and can be found in temperate parts of Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. P. cyanescens is reported to have high levels of psilocybin, making it a potent strain.
The dosage of psilocybin-containing mushrooms depends on the psilocybin and psilocin content, which can vary between and within the same species. Psilocybin content typically ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the dried weight of the mushroom, while psilocin content can range from 0% to 0.59%. Recreational doses of psilocybin mushrooms typically range from 1.0 to 3.5-5.0 grams of dried mushrooms or 10 to 50 grams of fresh mushrooms. It is important to note that consuming wild mushrooms carries risks, as it can be challenging to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms. Therefore, it is advised to refrain from consuming wild mushrooms to avoid potential poisoning.
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Mushrooms with medicinal properties
Mushrooms are not just edible delights but also possess medicinal properties that can be used to treat various ailments. Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, especially in Asian regions like China and Japan. Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor), for example, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases. It is also known as Yun Zhi in China and Kawaratake (meaning roof tile fungus) in Japan. In Japan, it is used alongside standard cancer treatment to strengthen the immune system. Polysaccharide K (PSK), the active compound in turkey tail mushrooms, has been used as adjuvant therapy in cancer patients since the 1970s.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is another mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Studies using products made from reishi have been conducted in China and Japan, suggesting that they may help strengthen the immune system in patients with lung cancer. Reishi supplements are available in the market, but a study revealed that only 5 out of 19 products tested were genuine reishi mushrooms.
Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms are known for their support in cardiovascular health and liver health. They contain a polysaccharide called lentinan, which acts as an immune system booster. They also contain eritadenine, a compound that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) have been studied for their antioxidative, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihypercholesterolemic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and antiaging properties.
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) contains bioactive metabolites that can pass through the blood-brain barrier and exhibit neurotropic and neuroprotective effects.
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Wild mushrooms to avoid consuming
Mushrooms are a type of fungus with a wide range of varieties, including those that are edible and poisonous. It is crucial to accurately identify mushrooms before consuming them as some poisonous mushrooms can be lethal. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be challenging, and consuming the wrong variety can lead to serious adverse health effects and even death. Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid consuming wild mushrooms unless you are certain of their edibility.
When identifying mushrooms, it is important to consider various characteristics, such as their macroscopic and microscopic structure. Standard identification methods include examining the presence of juices, bruising reactions, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, and season. Molecular identification methods are also becoming more common. While some rules of thumb, such as "it's okay if you can peel the cap" or "mushrooms growing on wood are safe," may be tempting to follow, these guidelines are not always accurate and can sometimes be dangerous.
To properly identify wild mushrooms, it is recommended to use a regional field guide or seek expert advice. Some apparent signs of poisonous mushrooms to avoid include white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. Additionally, it is advised to avoid consuming wild mushrooms that grow in urban settings, along busy highways, or in areas where pesticide exposure is likely, as fungi can absorb pollutants from the environment.
Some of the most poisonous mushrooms include the death cap (Amanita phalloides), false morels, and Conocybe filaris. Death caps, found in Europe and North America, have a 6-inch-wide cap that can be sticky and vary in color, including yellowish, brownish, whitish, or greenish. They emit a faint, honey-sweet smell that some may describe as unpleasant, similar to cleaning products. False morels, on the other hand, can resemble the edible puffball mushroom, making accurate identification crucial.
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Mushrooms used in traditional medicine
Mushrooms have been used for their medicinal properties for thousands of years. Ancient civilisations such as the Greeks and the Chinese used mushrooms for a variety of purposes. For example, the Greek physician Hippocrates, circa 450 BCE, classified the amadou mushroom (Fomes fomentarius) as a potent anti-inflammatory and for cauterizing wounds. Ötzi, the 5300-year-old "Ice Man", carried amadou and birch polypore mushrooms to help him survive in the Alps.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Maitake mushroom, or Grifola frondosa, is commonly referred to as the "Dancing Mushroom" and is used for its support of the spleen and for benefiting qi. It is also used to help maintain healthy blood pressure and support immune function.
Reishi, or Ganoderma lingzhi, has a 2000-year-old written history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese Taoist monks wrote of using it to promote calmness and enhance their meditative practices. Chinese royalty used Reishi to promote longevity and held this "mushroom of immortality" in high esteem.
In addition to these, puffball mushrooms (Calvatia genus) were used by the First Peoples of North America as wound healers.
Today, mushrooms are among the most commonly used of all integrative, complementary, and alternative therapies, especially in the field of oncology. They are also used in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and mycotherapy products. Their medicinal properties are attributable to many bioactive metabolites present in the mycelium but are most prevalent in the fruiting body.
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Frequently asked questions
Some funny mushroom names include the silky piggyback, the hairy curtain crust, and the leafy brain fungus. Another mushroom, Clitocybe nuda, has a name that translates to "sloping head, bare or naked".
Some common mushrooms include the button mushroom, the oyster mushroom, and the shiitake mushroom.
Some less common mushrooms include the chanterelle, the hedgehog mushroom, and the king oyster mushroom.
