Only a
small minority of fungi are poisonous, but many of the
best edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes,
and some species are known to be dangerously hallucinogenic. If you suspect
that someone has eaten even a tiny amount of a poisonous fungus, seek
medical attention immediately, retaining a sample of the fungus
responsible for the poisoning.
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Amanita fungi account for more than 90% of
fatal poisonings in Europe. Amanita Phalloides, the Death
Cap, is mistakenly gathered by people seeking edible Agaricus
mushrooms. The toxins in this fungus can destroy the liver, and
even a single cap is enough to kill an adult. |
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Amanita pantherina, the Panther Cap,
contains the same toxins as Amanita muscaria but in a very variable and sometimes
much higher concentration. This uncommon species is sometimes
gathered by people seeking the edible Amanita rubescens. |
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Amanita virosa, the Destroying Angel, is
infrequent in lowland areas but it occurs more often at higher
altitudes. It is mistakenly gathered by collectors of edible Agaricus fungi such as the Field Mushroom, Agaricus campestris. |
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Poisoning by Gyromitra esculenta, the
False Morel, can be fatal. The toxins within this impostor are not
all destroyed by cooking, and even when it has been cooked there
are concerns that this fungus may cause cancer. |
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