Laura Smith
Amanita, or Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world, and is native to temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It is also the type species of Amanita subgenus Amanita, which includes all Amanita with inamyloid spores. The genus Amanita contains about 600 species of agarics, including some of the most toxic known mushrooms worldwide, as well as some edible species. Amanita muscaria is known to be toxic and hallucinogenic, and has been used as an entheogen by many indigenous peoples of Siberia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Fly agaric, Fly Amanita, Toadstool |
| Scientific name | Amanita muscaria |
| Genus | Amanita |
| Species | A. muscaria |
| Appearance | Large, bright red cap with distinctive white spots, white gills, white stem |
| Toxicity | Poisonous, hallucinogenic |
| Psychoactive compounds | Muscimol, ibotenic acid, muscarine |
| Region | Native to the Northern Hemisphere, now also found in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Habitat | Temperate and boreal forests, often under trees such as birches, pines, spruces, firs, and larches |
| Related species | A. pantherina (Panther cap), A. gemmata, A. farinosa, A. xanthocephala |
| Edibility | Not recommended for consumption due to toxicity, some related Amanita species are edible |
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What You'll Learn
- Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a distinctive-looking mushroom
- It is a hallucinogenic fungus that was once used as a fly poison
- Amanita muscaria is toxic and can cause poisoning, especially in children
- It is often confused with other mushrooms, including the edible A. basii
- The interest in Amanita muscaria is growing, but it is not backed by clinical evidence
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric, is a distinctive-looking mushroom
Fly agaric is a basidiomycete fungus of the genus Amanita, which consists of several hundred species of mushrooms, some of which are poisonous to humans. The name Amanita comes from Ancient Greek, possibly derived from the mountain Amanus or the ancient city of Amantia. The specific epithet muscaria comes from the Latin musca, meaning "fly", due to its traditional use as an insecticide.
Fly agaric is native to temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, forming symbiotic relationships with various trees, including birch, pine, spruce, fir, and larch. It is now also found in the Southern Hemisphere, spreading invasively in some regions. While it is often mistaken for other yellow to red mushroom species, its distinctive features are its bright red cap with white warts and white gills and stem.
Amanita muscaria is known for its psychoactive properties, containing compounds such as muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, which can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare. Its use as a hallucinogen has been documented among indigenous peoples of Siberia, and it has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating depression.
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It is a hallucinogenic fungus that was once used as a fly poison
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a fungus that has been used as a fly poison. It is a large white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is native to the temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere and forms symbiotic relationships with various trees.
Amanita muscaria is a hallucinogenic fungus, meaning it can induce hallucinations and other psychotropic effects in those who ingest it. It contains psychoactive compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare.
The use of Amanita muscaria as a fly poison was first recorded by Albertus Magnus in his work "De vegetabilibus" before 1256. He commented that the fungus was powdered in milk to kill flies. The practice of using it as fly poison was also observed in Germany and Sweden, with the specific epithet muscarius deriving from the Latin "musca" meaning "fly".
Amanita muscaria has a distinctive appearance, often featuring a bright red cap with white spots. This has made it one of the most recognizable fungi in the world, commonly associated with fairy tales and home décor. Despite its toxicity, it has been used by indigenous peoples of Siberia as an entheogen, and it holds cultural significance in Europe for its use during winter solstice ceremonies.
Amanita muscaria is different from traditional "magic mushrooms" or psilocybin mushrooms, which contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin. While psilocybin primarily binds to serotonin receptors, muscimol and ibotenic acid interact with different receptors in the body, producing distinct effects. The marketing and sale of Amanita muscaria products are largely unregulated, and it is not included on controlled substances lists in most places, posing risks to public health.
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Amanita muscaria is toxic and can cause poisoning, especially in children
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large, white-gilled, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap covered with distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world. It is native to temperate and boreal forests in the Northern Hemisphere, forming symbiotic relationships with various trees.
The toxic effects of Amanita muscaria have been well-documented, with reported cases of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its consumption. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement or magic mushroom product, which poses a significant risk to public health. The lack of federal regulation and proper labelling has led to an increase in interest in this potentially harmful substance.
Amanita muscaria has a long history of use, dating back to ancient times when it was used as a fly poison. Indigenous peoples of Siberia have also traditionally used it as an entheogen. However, despite its historical use, it is essential to recognise the potential dangers associated with consuming this mushroom.
Overall, Amanita muscaria is a highly recognisable but toxic mushroom that can cause poisoning, especially in children. It is important to seek expert advice and properly identify mushrooms before consumption to avoid any potential health risks.
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It is often confused with other mushrooms, including the edible A. basii
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a distinctive mushroom with a bright red cap covered with white warts. Despite its distinct appearance, it has been mistaken for other yellow to red mushroom species, including the edible A. basii, a Mexican species similar to Europe's A. caesarea. Poison control centres in the US and Canada have flagged that "amarill", the Spanish word for "yellow", is a common name for the A. caesarea-like species in Mexico.
The A. caesarea is distinguished by its orange to red cap, which lacks the white warts of the fly agaric. The stem, gills and ring of the A. caesarea are bright yellow, not white. The volva of the A. caesarea is a distinct unbroken white bag, unlike the broken white scales of the fly agaric. In Australia, the introduced fly agaric may be confused with the native vermilion grisette (Amanita xanthocephala), which grows with eucalypts.
Amanita muscaria is a widely distributed mushroom native to temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere, now also found in the Southern Hemisphere. It is known for its psychotropic effects, including a feeling of weightlessness, visual and auditory hypersensitivity, space distortion, unawareness of time, and coloured hallucinations. It contains the psychoactive compounds muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause poisoning, especially in children and those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare.
Amanita muscaria was widely used as an entheogen by many indigenous peoples of Siberia. It was also traditionally used as an insecticide, giving it the name fly agaric. It is often marketed as a dietary supplement, but there are concerns about its safety, with several cases of hospitalisations and deaths resulting from its consumption.
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The interest in Amanita muscaria is growing, but it is not backed by clinical evidence
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large, white-spotted mushroom with a bright red cap. It is one of the most recognisable fungi in the world, native to the Northern Hemisphere's temperate and boreal forests. It is also known for its toxic and hallucinogenic properties, with a long history of use in religious ceremonies, particularly in Asia.
The interest in Amanita muscaria is growing, particularly in the United States, with Google searches increasing by 114% from 2022 to 2023. This increasing interest is attributed to emerging clinical research supporting the safety and efficacy of psilocybin, a compound found in "magic mushrooms," in treating depression. However, it is important to note that Amanita muscaria is not psilocybin and does not produce the same effects. While it is hallucinogenic, it is considered a "deliriant" rather than "psychedelic." It acts primarily on different receptors, causing an ethereal, dreamlike, and sedative state.
Amanita muscaria contains psychoactive compounds like muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, which can lead to poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. Although fatal poisonings are rare, there have been several cases of hospitalizations and deaths resulting from its consumption. The rapid and correct identification of this mushroom is crucial for optimal risk assessment and treatment. Its distinctive appearance makes accidental poisoning uncommon, but it can sometimes be mistaken for edible species, leading to severe intoxication.
Despite the growing interest in Amanita muscaria, it is not backed by clinical evidence supporting its safety or efficacy. In fact, due to its toxic and hallucinogenic properties, there have been calls to place it on the Controlled Substances list to evaluate its medical potential and abuse liability before it is widely sold. Currently, it is not included on the Controlled Substances list, except in the State of Louisiana, where sales are restricted. The lack of regulation enables false marketing, with manufacturers selling it illegally as a dietary supplement without providing safety data or filing the necessary applications.
In conclusion, while the interest in Amanita muscaria is increasing, it is important to approach this mushroom with caution. Its toxic and hallucinogenic properties can lead to severe health risks, and its consumption should be approached with care and proper identification to avoid accidental poisoning. More research and regulation are needed to understand its potential benefits and risks fully.
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Frequently asked questions
Amanita, or genus Amanita, is a group of several hundred species of mushrooms, some of which are poisonous and even deadly, while others are edible. They are often distinguishable by their white spores, a ring on the stem, and a veil that tears as the cap expands.
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a large, white-gilled mushroom with a bright red cap covered in distinctive white warts. It is one of the most recognizable mushrooms worldwide due to its distinct appearance.
Yes, many species of Amanita mushrooms are toxic and even deadly. Over 90% of mushroom poisoning deaths result from ingesting Amanitas, especially the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and the Destroying Angel (Amanita virosa). However, there are also several edible Amanita species, such as Amanita fulva and Amanita caesarea.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms are native to temperate and boreal forest regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where they grow in symbiotic relationships with various trees. They have also been found in other parts of the world, including South Africa, Central Asia, and Brazil.
Yes, Amanita muscaria mushrooms are known for their psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties. They contain compounds like muscimol and ibotenic acid, which can cause poisoning, especially in those seeking its hallucinogenic effects. However, fatal poisonings are extremely rare.
