Fungus Fair

Is it one of the Deadly Poisonous Mushrooms ?

Amanita ocreata

Kingdom: Fungi
Subkingdom: Dikarya
Phylum: Basidiomycota
Subphylum: Agaricomycotina
Class: Agaricomycetes
Subclass: Agaricomycetidae
Order: Agaricales
Family: Amanitaceae
Genus: Amanita
Section: Phalloideae
Species: A. ocreata

Amanita ocreata is a eukaryotic fungus that is commonly referred to as the destroying angel. It is found in the Pacific Northwest of America, usually in the California area growing under trees. A. ocreata appears white in color and can be identified by its distinct smell. It is often noted that it smells of iodine, dead fish, bleach or chlorine. The odor is mild at first then becomes more unpleasant as the mushroom ages.

A. ocreata can reproduce sexually and asexually, since it comes from the Basidiomycota phylum, producing spores after combining. Research shows that the basidiospores are released from the basidia and flown into the air getting transported by the wind. After the spores are produced they will use energy to continue to grow; also absorbing nutrients and water from the environment using the hyphae.

The destroying angel poisons less than 10 people a year when the mushroom is cooked and eaten. This is no ordinary mushroom since it is extremely lethal and causes life threatening complications when consumed. Although the mushroom looks very attractive and temping, the deadly toxins reside in A. ocreata’s cap, therefore deceiving people. The symptoms consist of liver issues, diarrhea, nausea, yellowing eyes and skin, and in extreme cases coma and death. These indications usually start to show 8-12 hours after consumption, as a result the treatment should begin immediately.

A. ocreata may look like a normal white mushroom but this California fungus can cause serious illness.

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References:

Ammirati, J.F., Thiers, H.D. & Horgen, P.A. (1977). Amatoxin-containing mushrooms: Amanita ocreata and A. phalloides in California. Mycologia 69: 1095-1108.

Coila, Bridget. (2009). How Fungi Grow and Reproduce by Creating Spores. Suite101

Quiros, Gabriela. (2011). Life-Threatening Mushroom Poisonings. Quest: KQED Public Media