🍄Fungus found on 05 Oct 2024 #
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As someone who loves hunting for mushrooms in the wild, I’ve always assumed that my most exciting finds would be deep in the forest, far away from urban life. But my latest discovery came in a completely unexpected place – right by the canal, on the outskirts of the city. And what I found there was none other than the legendary fly agaric.
A Sea of White Mushrooms… and One Special Find #
It all started with a walk along the canal. I wasn’t on the lookout for anything in particular, but then I noticed a large cluster of white mushrooms, growing in tight, dense patches. To be honest, they didn’t really grab my attention straight away – they seemed fairly ordinary, and I was about to carry on walking. But then I spotted one group of mushrooms that looked especially photogenic, so I wandered over, camera in hand.
As I got closer, that’s when I noticed it. Nestled amongst the more common white mushrooms was something much more striking – a small, vibrant red mushroom with its cap still in a ball-like shape. It was only just beginning to grow, the veil between the cap and the stem still intact. And it was immediately clear to me that this was something special: a fly agaric (or Amanita muscaria, for the more scientifically minded).
Recognising a Classic #
Now, at the time, I didn’t know for certain that this was a fly agaric, but it looked just like the kind of mushroom you imagine when you think of poisonous fungi – the very definition of the ‘dangerous red mushroom’ emoji 🍄. I couldn’t contain my excitement. Here, in this unassuming spot by the canal, I had stumbled upon one of the most iconic fungi in existence!
What’s interesting about the fly agaric is its instantly recognisable appearance. Typically, it has:
- A bright red cap: often with white or yellowish spots that are remnants of its universal veil.
- A white stem: which is tall and elegant, often with a skirt-like ring around it.
- White gills underneath the cap, tightly packed together.
- White spore print: if you happen to take a spore print.
However, the mushroom I found was still young, with its red cap in a spherical stage, yet to open fully. It was fascinating to see it at this early point in its life cycle – something I hadn’t expected to witness up close.
“Red Cap, White Stem”: A Cultural Icon #
In the UK (and many other places), the fly agaric is almost a cultural icon. It’s featured in everything from fairy tales to video games, with its bright red cap and white spots giving it an almost mythical status. But what many people don’t realise is that it’s also highly toxic. There’s even a popular saying in China that sums it up perfectly: “红伞伞，白杆杆”, which translates to “red cap, white stem” – it’s a phrase used to describe dangerous mushrooms like the fly agaric.
The fly agaric contains toxins such as ibotenic acid and muscimol, which, when ingested, can cause nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and confusion. Although it’s not usually fatal, it’s certainly not something you’d want to snack on! Interestingly, in some cultures, such as certain Siberian tribes, fly agarics were used in spiritual rituals for their psychoactive effects. But here in the UK, it’s best admired from a distance.
A City-Edge Surprise #
What made this find even more special was its location. I never expected to come across something as rare as a fly agaric in such an urban setting. It’s a reminder that nature’s surprises aren’t confined to remote forests – they can pop up even in the most unexpected places, like a quiet canal on the edge of a city.
While the cluster of white mushrooms that originally caught my eye might have been more common, this single, striking fly agaric stole the show. It felt almost like nature had placed it there, just for me to discover.
Safety First: Mushroom Hunting Tips #
Of course, while mushroom hunting is a brilliant way to connect with nature, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. If you’re not 100% sure of what you’ve found, it’s always best to leave it where it is. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t eat anything unless you’re absolutely sure what it is. Many mushrooms look alike, and some deadly species closely resemble edible ones.
- Use a reliable guide or app to help with identification.
- Admire without touching. Some mushrooms can cause skin irritation or worse, so it’s best to avoid handling them unless you’re wearing gloves.
Wrapping Up #
Discovering this fly agaric by the canal was an absolute thrill – a vivid reminder that nature’s wonders can be found in the most unexpected places. Its red cap and white spots were instantly recognisable, and though I was only seeing it in its early stage of growth, it was no less impressive.
If you’ve ever come across a similar natural surprise, whether deep in the woods or right on your doorstep, I’d love to hear about it! After all, you never know what magic might be waiting just around the corner.
“红伞伞，白杆杆”：A Poisonous Mushroom Song #
As mentioned earlier, the fly agaric mushroom is vividly captured in a well-known Chinese children’s rhyme. It serves as both a warning and a darkly humorous take on the dangers of eating brightly coloured, unknown mushrooms. Here’s the full version of the rhyme, along with an English translation:
中文原文：
English Translation:
红伞伞，白杆杆
Red cap, white stem
吃完一起躺板板
After eating, you’ll all lie flat
躺板板，埋山山
Lie flat, buried in the hill
亲朋都来吃饭饭
Friends and family come for a meal
饭饭里有红伞伞
In the meal, there's a red cap
吃完全村都埋山山
Eat it, and the whole village is buried in the hill
来年长满红伞伞
Next year, the hill will be full of red caps