Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has been consumed by humans since prehistory. While mushrooms can be a tasty source of food, some species are toxic and can cause severe poisoning or even death. Poisonous mushrooms contain a variety of toxins that can cause different types of harm, from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure and death. The most common toxin causing severe poisoning is amatoxin, found in the death cap mushroom, which is responsible for the majority of mushroom-related fatalities. Mushroom toxicity has been known for millennia and has been implicated in the deaths of several historical figures, including possibly Roman Emperor Claudius. Foragers must be cautious as poisonous mushrooms can closely resemble edible species, and there is no home test to distinguish between the two. If you suspect mushroom poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. |
| Morphology | Mushrooms typically have a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae) on the underside of the cap. |
| Identification | There is no single trait to identify all toxic or edible mushrooms. Identification methods include observing macroscopic structure, microscopic examination, and chemical tests. |
| Edibility | Mushrooms can be edible, poisonous, or unpalatable. Edible mushrooms are a good source of essential amino acids and B vitamins and are free of cholesterol. |
| Toxicity | Poisoning by wild mushrooms is common and can be fatal or cause mild gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. Toxic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and distorted senses of time, place, and reality. |
| Psychedelic Properties | Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in religious and spiritual rituals for thousands of years. They can induce hallucinations and are being studied for treating addiction. |
| Cultivation | Cultivated mushrooms include common white or button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). Poland was the world's largest mushroom exporter in 2014. |
| Consumption | Mushroom consumption varies, with some people enjoying their taste and texture, while others associate them with fear due to their resemblance to fleshy fungus. |
| Historical Uses | Hallucinogenic mushrooms have a long history of use among native peoples of Mesoamerica and were campaigned against by Catholic missionaries during the Spanish conquest. |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi
- They are edible or poisonous, with no single trait to identify them as such
- Psychedelic mushrooms can induce hallucinations and anxiety, and have been used in religious contexts
- Mushrooms are not plants, they are fungi and more closely related to humans
- Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi
The standard for the name "mushroom" is the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus. However, the term is also used to describe a variety of other gilled fungi, with or without stems. These gilled mushrooms are often called "agarics". The gills under the cap produce microscopic spores, which help the fungus spread across the ground or its occupant surface.
Mushrooms are typically of the order Agaricales in the phylum Basidiomycota, but they can also belong to some other groups. They are structurally characterised by having a stem (stipe), a cap (pileus), and gills (lamellae, singular lamella) on the underside of the cap. Forms that deviate from this standard morphology usually have more specific names, such as "bolete", "truffle", "puffball", "stinkhorn", and "morel".
Identifying mushrooms as edible or poisonous requires meticulous attention to detail. There is no single trait by which all toxic mushrooms can be identified, nor is there one definitive characteristic of edible mushrooms. Therefore, identifying mushrooms requires a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure, as well as knowledge of microscopic examination techniques. Amateur and professional mycologists consider factors such as the presence of juices upon breaking, bruising reactions, odours, tastes, shades of colour, habitat, season, and more.
Mushrooms have a long history of use among native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing. Prehistoric rock art in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago. In modern times, psilocybin mushrooms have been shown to be successful in treating addiction and have provided spiritually significant experiences to users.
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They are edible or poisonous, with no single trait to identify them as such
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. The terms "mushroom" and "toadstool" have been used interchangeably for centuries, with no clear consensus on their application. While "mushroom" often refers to edible fungi, and "toadstool" to inedible or poisonous ones, there is no scientific distinction between the two terms.
Identifying whether a mushroom is edible or poisonous is a meticulous task that requires a good understanding of its macroscopic structure. There is no single trait that distinguishes toxic mushrooms from edible ones. Instead, one must consider various factors, including the presence of juices upon breaking, bruising reactions, odours, tastes, shades of colour, habitat, and season. Even then, poisoning by wild mushrooms is common and can be fatal or cause mild gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions.
The dangers of consuming the wrong mushrooms are evident in the case of Erin Patterson, an Australian woman found guilty of murdering her in-laws by serving them toxic mushrooms. The victims suffered vomiting, diarrhoea, and serious toxin syndrome, eventually leading to their deaths.
On the other hand, mushrooms have been prized for their culinary and nutritional qualities, with some species being highly sought after for their delicate flavour and agreeable texture. They are also a good source of essential amino acids and B vitamins. However, even edible mushrooms may trigger allergic reactions or cause mild gastrointestinal issues in some individuals.
The complexity of mushroom identification has led to the development of various methods, from traditional field guides to modern molecular identification techniques. While tasting and smelling can provide clues, these methods carry risks due to the potential presence of poisons and allergens. Therefore, amateur and professional mycologists must exercise caution when identifying mushrooms to ensure safe consumption.
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Psychedelic mushrooms can induce hallucinations and anxiety, and have been used in religious contexts
Psychedelic mushrooms, also known as "magic mushrooms", can induce hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, nervousness, and panic attacks. The person may have a distorted sense of time, place, and reality. Too large a dose can lead to a long-term mental health condition known as psychosis. However, a double-blind study by Johns Hopkins Hospital showed that psychedelic mushrooms could provide people with an experience of substantial personal meaning and spiritual significance. Two-thirds of the subjects reported that the ingestion of psychedelic mushrooms was among the top five most meaningful and spiritually significant events of their lives.
Psilocybin mushrooms have been used in religious contexts in Mexico and Central America. Rock art from c. 9000–7000 BCE from Tassili, Algeria, is believed to depict psychedelic mushrooms and the transformation of the user under their influence. Prehistoric rock art near Villar del Humo in Spain suggests that Psilocybe hispanica was used in religious rituals 6,000 years ago. The hallucinogenic species of the Psilocybe genus have a history of use among the native peoples of Mesoamerica for religious communion, divination, and healing, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
After the Spanish conquest, Catholic missionaries campaigned against the cultural tradition of the Aztecs, dismissing their use of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms as idolatry. The Spanish believed the mushrooms allowed the Aztecs and others to communicate with demons. Despite this history, the use of teonanácatl, the Nahuatl word for "divine mushroom", has persisted in some remote areas. The first mention of hallucinogenic mushrooms in European medicinal literature was in a London journal in 1799, where a man served Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms he had picked in a park to his family. The apothecary who treated them described how the youngest child "was attacked with fits of immoderate laughter, nor could the threats of his father or mother refrain him."
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Mushrooms are not plants, they are fungi and more closely related to humans
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, specifically the "fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body" of certain fungi. They are typically produced above ground and are often identified by their stem, cap, and gills. However, not all mushrooms follow this standard morphology and may have different names, such as "bolete", "truffle", or "puffball". While mushrooms may resemble plants in terms of shape and growth, they are not classified as plants. Instead, they are more closely related to humans.
The key differences between mushrooms and plants lie in their cellular structure and energy-generating processes. Unlike plants, fungi do not possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Instead, like animals, they obtain their energy and nutrients by breaking down external substances. Furthermore, fungal cells have rigid cell walls composed of chitin, whereas plant cells contain cellulose. Another distinguishing factor is the amount of DNA present in each cell; fungal cells typically contain half of a full set of DNA, whereas plant and animal cells usually have a full set.
The delineation between edible and poisonous mushrooms is complex and requires meticulous attention to detail. There is no single trait that distinguishes all toxic mushrooms, and even edible mushrooms can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Some mushrooms are prized for their culinary value, offering subtle flavours and agreeable textures, while others are sought after for their psychoactive properties, often referred to as "magic mushrooms" or "psilocybin mushrooms". These hallucinogenic species have been used for centuries in various cultures for religious, divinatory, and healing purposes.
The consumption of mushrooms can provide various health benefits. Certain mushrooms, such as Psilocybe species, have been shown to induce spiritually significant experiences and successfully treat addictions. Additionally, some mushrooms contain small amounts of essential amino acids and B vitamins. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when consuming mushrooms due to the risk of poisoning. Poisoning from wild or toxic mushrooms can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, allergic reactions, or even death.
In summary, mushrooms are a type of fungus that shares more similarities with humans than with plants on a fundamental biological level. The differences between mushrooms and plants lie in their cellular composition and energy-generating mechanisms. Mushrooms have a complex relationship with humans, offering both culinary and psychoactive benefits but also posing risks of poisoning if consumed without proper knowledge and caution.
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Poisonous mushrooms can be fatal
Mushroom poisoning can result from the ingestion of wild mushrooms that have been misidentified as edible species. It is important to familiarize yourself with both the mushrooms you intend to collect and their toxic counterparts to prevent poisoning. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can vary widely, ranging from slight gastrointestinal discomfort to organ failure and death. The period between ingestion and the onset of symptoms depends on the toxin and can take anywhere from a few hours to several days or weeks. Some common symptoms of mushroom poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal issues. More severe symptoms may include organ failure, neurologic sequelae, encephalopathy, and multiple organ failure.
Amanita mushrooms, including the death cap (Amanita phalloides) and the destroying angel (Amanita verna), are some of the most toxic and dangerous varieties. The death cap contains three broad classes of toxins: amatoxins, phallotoxins, and virotoxins. Amatoxins, such as α-Amanitin, are particularly toxic and can cause liver damage and failure, as well as kidney failure and encephalopathy. The toxin inhibits an enzyme called RNA polymerase II, preventing cells from carrying out essential functions. The toxin is heat-stable and cannot be destroyed by cooking or drying, making it even more dangerous.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested a poisonous mushroom, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to occur, as prompt treatment is often critical. Contact your local poison control centre or a medical professional for advice and guidance. It is also helpful to have a sample or a photo of the mushroom for identification purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are a type of fungus that has existed for millions of years. They are not "created" in the sense that they are a natural part of the ecosystem, but humans have been cultivating and consuming them for thousands of years.
There are hundreds of species of mushrooms, and they can be broadly categorized as edible or poisonous. Some common edible mushrooms include portobellos, shiitake, and cremini. Poisonous mushrooms are often referred to as toadstools. There are also hallucinogenic mushrooms, known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, which contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin.
Identifying mushrooms requires a basic understanding of their macroscopic structure. Characteristics such as the presence of juices, bruising reactions, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, and season are considered in identification. Microscopic examination and chemical tests may also be used for more precise identification.
