Amanita phalloides (death cap) has appeared in green areas in Bolesławiec. We observed it in two locations within our city.
There may, however, be more such places. As it turns out, the death cap does not grow only in forests... It is one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world.
Consuming even a small amount of this mushroom can cause severe poisoning, which may result in the need for an internal-organ transplant or death.
In the case of Amanita phalloides, heat treatment—boiling or frying—makes no difference. Even under the influence of high temperatures, this mushroom does not lose its deadly properties.
What does Amanita phalloides (death cap) look like?
As we read on Wikipedia:
Cap
Diameter 5–15 cm; hemispherical when young, then bell-shaped to arched, and eventually flat. The skin is smooth and not striated at the edge, consisting of adhering, radially arranged fibers. Its color ranges from whitish-green and olive-green to gray-green and brown-green; it is usually lighter at the edge and sometimes yellowish. The color fades in sunlight and in older specimens. The skin peels off easily and often has white remnants of the universal veil.
Stem
Up to 15 cm tall and 2 cm thick. It is cylindrical, ending at the base in a bulb up to 4 cm in diameter. The bulb is surrounded by a tall, whitish, spreading volva. The stem is whitish with a yellowish-green tint. It has a distinct, hanging ring ranging in color from white to yellowish. Above the ring, the stem is smooth; below it, there are delicate scales, sometimes forming a zigzag pattern.
Flesh
White and does not change color when broken. In young specimens, the flesh has a mild smell; in old ones, it smells slightly like potatoes. The taste is pleasant.
Gills
Dense and white, with a slight yellowish-green tint in older specimens. In young specimens, they are not visible because they are covered by a whitish veil.
We urge everyone to exercise particular caution and to watch children playing on lawns where these mushrooms may grow, as well as older people who may mistake these mushrooms for, for example, button mushrooms—especially during the early growth stage.
More about Amanita phalloides—characteristics and identification.
See also: Identifying and collecting mushrooms—important rules
Amanita phalloides