Death cap
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The death cap (Amanita phalloides) is one of numerous species of mushrooms in the genus Amanita, and as its name implies, it can be lethal if eaten. This is a large and distinctive fungal fruiting body or basidiocarp, usually with a pileus (cap) from 5 to 15 cm across, smooth yellow to brown with a green tinge and a partial veil, white fine lamellae (gills), and a white 4 to 18 cm long and 1–3 cm-thick stipe (stalk) with an annulus and a swollen volva (base). The death cap also has white gills and a white spore print. An entirely white form (Amanita phalloides var. alba) is also occasionally found. It is found primarily and originally in Europe but now is also in North America, Australia, South America, Asia, and Africa, typically under oaks, nut trees, other hardwoods and some conifers (for example, pines), usually in autumn to early winter depending on the location. Similar species are A. subjunquillea in eastern Asia and A. arocheae with a range extending from Andean Colombia to central Mexico (at least). All these fungi are mycorrhizal. Amanita phalloides is easily exported with conifers and hardwoods.
As the common name suggests it is highly poisonous, responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide (see Mushroom poisoning). It contains two types of toxins spread throughout the mushroom thallus: phallotoxins (phalloidin, phalloin, phallisin, phallicidin) and amatoxins (amanitin, amanin, amanullin). The toxin most responsible for the deadly effects of the Death Cap is alpha-amanitin. The poison particularly affects the liver and kidneys; frequently the only treatment for death cap poisoning is liver transplant. It is estimated that 50 grams (2 oz) of this mushroom are enough to kill a human. Poisoning can be treated by intravenous injection of silibinin dihydrogen disuccinate disodium.
Asian immigrants in North America and Europe often mistake the death cap for the edible paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) due to their similarity in appearance. This is a leading cause of mushroom poisoning in the United States. It is assumed the death cap mushroom causes 90% of all mushroom poisoning related deaths in the world. Because of its resemblance on edible mushrooms, it is considered especially dangerous; the Finnish name kavalakärpässieni (devious fly mushroom) is very apt.
One survivor of death cap mushroom poisoning described them as "tasting wonderful". She collected the mushrooms in the wild, mistaking them for some gourmet variety she had recently purchased. In many cases of mushroom poisoning, irreparable damage occurs before the onset of symptoms.
Pope Clement VII died from eating the death cap mushroom.
External links
Mycological characteristics of Amanita phalloides :
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