Amanita muscaria
The beautiful Fly Agaric Mushroom (Amanita muscaria) is a fungi species that is not native to Australia. It has however become readily naturalised in our Southern states. This particular one is growing under some Monterey Cypress at my place of work.
As it emerges from the ground the cap is usually rounded but then turns flat with age. The cap also the very pretty red surface with little white warts on it. It is a mushroom that many people would associate with fairy’s and other little fantastical garden creatures!
Something else that I find fascinating about this mushroom is that because of it’s psychoactive ingredient, it was apparently used by Vikings to enter their berserker rages. This theory though has never been proven and to some it is just an urban legend that has perpetuated over the years.
The wonderful fairy image above is taken from here.
Tags: Amanita muscaria, Fly Agaric Mushroom, fungi
July 12th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
So, does “readily naturalized” mean savvy (or seedy) entrepreneurs go looking for it to sell for the psychoactive effects?
I’m not of that lot, mind you but was just wondering… I think they’re beautiful. All the better when you have to hunt for them.
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:25 pm
I want that mushroom in my garden … I’ve aldreay convinced Miss K that fairies live there, so the mushroom would be the icing on the cake.
(Speaking of cakes - I wouldn’t mind a recipe for you chocolate cake)