Michael Davis
Red mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi that stand out for their bright colours and unique shapes. Some red mushrooms, like the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), are famous for their distinctive appearance and cultural significance, while others like Fistulina hepatica (Ox Tongue or Beefsteak) are known for their edibility and health benefits. With a range of species, red mushrooms can be found in various environments, from temperate forests to tropical climates, and can be toxic or edible. The line between poisonous and edible mushrooms is thin, and proper identification is crucial before consumption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Fly agaric, Fly Amanita |
| Scientific name | Amanita muscaria |
| Cap colour | Bright red |
| Cap size | 8-20 centimetres in diameter |
| Cap shape | Starts globose, then hemispherical, finally plate-like and <co: 1,2,6,13>flat |
| Cap features | Covered with white warts or spots |
| Gills | White |
| Stipe | White, 5-20 cm high, 1-2 cm wide |
| Smell | Mildly earthy |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, causes stomach cramps and hallucinations |
| Edibility | Not edible |
| Habitat | Temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere |
| Associated fauna | Red squirrels, slugs, fungus gnats |
| Related species | Armillaria cf. mellea, A. basii, A. caesarea, Clathrus rubra, Russula emetica, Fistulina hepatica, Ox Tongue, Beefsteak, Reishi |
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What You'll Learn
- Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a poisonous red mushroom with hallucinogenic effects
- Fistulina hepatica, also known as ox tongue or beefsteak, is an edible red mushroom species found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia
- Russula emetica, also known as the emetic russula or the sickener, is a toxic red mushroom commonly found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
- Red reishi mushrooms, also referred to as Ganoderma lucidum, are indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America and are known for their health benefits
- Clathrus rubra is a type of red stinkhorn mushroom that uses its bright colour to attract insects beneficial to its reproduction
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a poisonous red mushroom with hallucinogenic effects
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a distinctive-looking, poisonous mushroom with hallucinogenic effects. It is a large, bright red mushroom with white spots, and is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world. It is native to the forests, pastures, and fields of the Northern Hemisphere, but has also been introduced to the Southern Hemisphere.
Fly agaric is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Amanita. It is characterised by its bright red cap, which is covered with distinctive white warts or spots. The cap is typically between 8 and 20 centimetres in diameter, although larger specimens have been found. The red colour may fade after rain or as the mushroom ages. The gills and stem of the mushroom are white, and it has a ring on the stem just below the cap. As the mushroom matures, its cap changes from globose to hemispherical, and finally to plate-like and flat.
Fly agaric has been used for centuries by various cultures around the world, particularly in northern Europe and Asia. It has been associated with shamanic rituals and winter solstice celebrations, and was once used as an insecticide. The mushroom contains psychoactive compounds such as muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause hallucinations and other side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. However, fatal poisonings from fly agaric are extremely rare.
The distinctive appearance of fly agaric has made it a popular symbol in fairy tales and video games, often accompanied by a toad. Its unpredictable effects and striking colour have also made it a subject of interest in literature, with appearances in Charles Kingsley's 1866 novel "Hereward the Wake" and Thomas Pynchon's 1973 novel "Gravity's Rainbow".
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Fistulina hepatica, also known as ox tongue or beefsteak, is an edible red mushroom species found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia
Red mushrooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with some being edible and others toxic. One such edible red mushroom species is Fistulina hepatica, commonly known as the beefsteak fungus, beefsteak polypore, poor man's steak, ox tongue, or tongue mushroom. This mushroom is found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia.
Fistulina hepatica is a bracket fungus, known for its distinctive appearance resembling a slab of meat or a large tongue. Its cap is 7-30 centimetres wide and 2-6 centimetres thick, with a reddish-brown colour that darkens as it matures. The mushroom has a fleshy, lobed body and can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. It is a saprophytic and parasitic fungus, feeding on decaying organic matter such as fallen tree trunks and dry branches.
The taste of Fistulina hepatica has been described as sour, acidic, or astringent, with a crisp texture when young. It can be eaten raw or cooked, although older specimens may require special preparation due to their tough nature. When cooked, it is recommended to simmer young specimens slowly to soften the flesh. The mushroom has been used as a topping for sushi, providing a mouthfeel similar to tuna. However, seasoning is necessary to enhance its flavour.
Fistulina hepatica is valued by wood turners and cabinet makers, who appreciate the unique characteristics of oak timber infected with this fungus. It is known as 'Brown Oak' within these industries. While the taste may not live up to its meaty appearance, Fistulina hepatica is a versatile mushroom that can be sliced, seasoned, and cooked to enhance its flavour and texture.
Overall, Fistulina hepatica, or ox tongue, is a fascinating edible red mushroom species found across Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. Its unique appearance, taste, and versatility make it a notable species within the world of mycology and foraging.
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Russula emetica, also known as the emetic russula or the sickener, is a toxic red mushroom commonly found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
The sickener mushroom is one of over 100 red-capped Russula species known worldwide. It was first described in 1774 by German mycologist Jacob Christian Schaeffer, who named it Agaricus emeticus. The specific epithet, emetica, is derived from the Ancient Greek word 'emetikos', meaning 'emetic' or 'vomit-inducing'. This is fitting, as consuming this mushroom can cause nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pains, and diarrhoea.
The cap of the sickener mushroom is bright scarlet or cherry red and measures 2.5–10 cm (1–4 in) wide. The shape of the cap ranges from convex in young specimens to flattened in mature ones, sometimes with a central depression or a shallow umbo. The margins of the cap have fine radial grooves extending 2–7 mm (0.08–0.3 in) towards the centre. The gills of the mushroom are white, becoming yellowish as it matures, and are attached to a sturdy, white, cylindrical stem.
The sickener mushroom is commonly found in coniferous and hardwood forests, particularly spruce and pine woodlands. It is known to form a mycorrhizal relationship with tree roots, providing the tree with water and minerals in exchange for sugars.
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Red reishi mushrooms, also referred to as Ganoderma lucidum, are indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America and are known for their health benefits
Red mushrooms come in various shapes and sizes, and they are found all over the world. Some of the most common types of red mushrooms include Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), Clathrus rubra, Russula emetica, and Fistulina hepatica.
Fly Agaric, also known as the fly amanita, is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is native to the forests of the Northern Hemisphere and has been naturalized in the Southern Hemisphere. This mushroom has a long history of use among various indigenous cultures and is known for its hallucinogenic effects. However, it can cause poisoning and should be avoided.
Clathrus rubra, commonly known as the red stinkhorn, is a peculiar-shaped, often bright red mushroom found in North America and Europe. They are more diverse and common in tropical climates but can also be found in cooler climates during the summer.
Russula emetica, or the Emetic Russula, is a red mushroom commonly found in coniferous and hardwood forests worldwide, particularly in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It may also be present in North America, but there is confusion between this species and the similar red-capped sickener species Russula nobilis, which is widespread in North America.
Fistulina hepatica, also known as Ox Tongue or Beefsteak, is an edible red fungus species found throughout Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. It has a peculiar shape and reddish color, resembling a slab of raw meat attached to a tree.
Among the various types of red mushrooms, one that has gained attention for its potential health benefits is the Red Reishi mushroom, also known as Ganoderma lucidum. This mushroom is indigenous to Europe, Asia, and North America and has a long history of use in traditional medicine practices, particularly in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. In Chinese and Japanese, it is known as "Lingzhi," representing spiritual potency and essence of immortality, while in Korea, it is called "Youngzhi," meaning "mushroom of immortality."
Red Reishi mushrooms are large, dark mushrooms with a glossy exterior and a woody texture. They typically grow in hot and humid locations. While they are not known for their nutritional value, they have gained popularity for their potential pharmaceutical and therapeutic benefits. Red Reishi mushrooms are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. They have been studied for their potential benefits in treating metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity and their possible role in preventing and treating infections, including coronavirus. Additionally, research suggests that Red Reishi mushrooms may help reduce fatigue, improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and boost overall health. However, it is important to note that they can also cause digestive side effects and may be unsafe for individuals taking certain medications.
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Clathrus rubra is a type of red stinkhorn mushroom that uses its bright colour to attract insects beneficial to its reproduction
Red mushrooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be found all over the world. Some red mushrooms, like the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria), are easily recognizable due to their bright red caps adorned with white spots. Others, like the Emetic Russula or The Sickener (Russula emetica), are distinguished by their cherry-red caps. Some red mushrooms, like the Ox Tongue or Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica), even resemble raw meat attached to a tree. Each species of red mushroom has unique features that make it stand out in the vast world of fungi.
Among the diverse array of red mushrooms, one particularly intriguing variety is the Clathrus rubra, also known as the basket stinkhorn or the red cage. This fungus belongs to the Phallaceae family and is characterized by its striking fruit bodies, which resemble round or oval hollow spheres with interlaced branches. The name "Clathrus" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "kleithron," meaning lattice, while "rubra" is derived from the Latin word "ruber," meaning red.
The Clathrus rubra is indeed a type of red stinkhorn mushroom. It is known for its peculiar appearance and distinctive fragrance. The fruit body of the Clathrus rubra initially resembles a whitish "egg" attached to the ground by cords called rhizomorphs. This egg-like structure then ruptures, revealing a lattice pattern that surrounds a layer of olive-green spore-bearing slime called the gleba. The gleba contains high levels of calcium, which play a crucial role in protecting the fruit body during its development.
The unique shape and colour of the Clathrus rubra serve a specific purpose in its reproductive strategy. Like other stinkhorn mushrooms, the Clathrus rubra uses its bright colour and distinctive odour to attract insects that are beneficial to its reproduction. The mushroom's red colour acts as a visual attractant, while the odour produced by the gleba mimics the smell of decaying organic matter, enticing insects such as flies to visit. This mechanism is believed to be a way for the mushroom to ensure the dispersal of its spores to new locations, facilitating the establishment of new fungal colonies.
The Clathrus rubra is not just visually intriguing but also ecologically significant. Its ability to attract insects through colour and odour showcases the intricate adaptations that fungi have evolved to ensure their survival and propagation. By understanding the reproductive strategies of fungi like the Clathrus rubra, we gain valuable insights into the complex and fascinating world of these unique organisms that play a crucial role in the health and diversity of our planet's ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Red mushrooms are fungi that are identified by their red caps. They are known to have bright colours and unique shapes.
Examples of red mushrooms include the Fly Agaric, Fistulina hepatica (Ox Tongue or Beefsteak), Russula emetica (Emetic Russula or The Sickener), and Clathrus rubra, a type of stinkhorn.
While some red mushrooms are edible, others are poisonous and should be avoided. For instance, Fistulina hepatica is edible and found in Europe, North America, Africa, and Australia. On the other hand, Fly Agaric is poisonous and should not be consumed.
Eating a poisonous red mushroom can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, severe abdominal cramps, hallucinations, and in rare cases, death.
Red mushrooms are typically found in forests, particularly in deciduous and coniferous forests worldwide. They can also be found in lawns, yards, and other shady areas.
