The startling red cap of the fly agaric, Amanita muscaria, is a favourite image on the cover of books about fungi. It is unmistakable and dangerous, being toxic and hallucinogenic.
Its name comes from its traditional country use in killing flies. Some of the mushroom soaked in a little milk in a saucer will attract flies and kill them after a few sips.
This is the peak time of year for spotting these fungi in woodland, mostly near birch and pine trees. Fungi have a relationship of mutual benefit with the trees. Their web of tiny underground tubes called mycelium, which act like roots, spread for long distances across the forest floor and exchange nutrients with roots of trees. Scientists are still trying to fully understand this complex relationship.
The hallucinogenic properties of this mushroom have been known for generations: for example, Alice in Wonderland is pictured nibbling a fly agaric, which results in her shrinking.
Some ancient civilisations from the east are said to have made potions from it to help priests have visions in religious ceremonies. While few people die from eating them, this exotic fruit of the fungus is best admired from a distance.
Paul Brown
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