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1. Death Cap or Amanita Phalloides is a deadly poisonous fungus native to Europe. It was discovered in 1727 by a French botanist and ‘phalloides’ may refer to its phallic shape. It has a likeness to edible varieties of mushroom such as puffballs which has often led to accidental poisoning. Its victims possibly include the Roman Emperor Claudius and Charles VI. The toxin amanatin damages the liver and kidneys which leads to death. Unlike some poisonous toadstools, Death Cap does not lose its toxicity after cooking.
2. The Destroying Angel or Avenging Angel is closely related to the Death Cap. As little as half a cap contains enough toxicity to poison. Symptoms include stomach upset, delirium, cramps and convulsions. It damages the liver and the kidneys. After consumption symptoms may not appear for as long as 2 hours. Once the initial symptoms pass the victim begins to feel better again but a second onset of symptoms results in death. A combination of haemodialysis and medication have proved effective in the treatment of poisoning. Some success has also been gained from the use of Milk Thistle.
3. Fly Agaric or Amanita Muscaria is red with white spotting. It is probably the most recognisable of all toadstools often found in art and pop culture as a fairy or pixie stool. It is believed that the name Fly Agaric originates from its use as an insecticide. The toxicity of this toadstool is said to be counteracted by cooking, whereas drying increases its potency. It has been reported for its hallucinogenic properties.
4. Gold Cap, Psylocybe Cubensis is a psychedelic mushroom containing LSD. Psylos comes from the Greek meaning ‘bald head’. This toadstool is a hallucinogenic.
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