Funeral Bells (Galerina marginata)

Growing on a hardwood log at the edge of a forest trail.

comments (8)

Patomarazul

Lion

Gorgeous! I wonder about the name..? Posted 5 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  This species has the nickname "funeral bells" because it has the same kind of toxins that the deadly Amanita species produce. These toxins, called amatoxins, are especially dangerous because they do not produce symptoms for 6-24 hours. Because of the delayed onset of symptoms, the sufferer may not realize that the mushroom they ate earlier is the cause of their illness. Initial symptoms resemble food poisoning, but gradually worsen for a few days until there is a short remission. Unfortunately, the symptoms return within 24 hours, and after another week or so, the liver and kidneys fail. This will result in death unless a liver transplant is performed.
  
  There is a drug called Silibinin, which is derived from milk thistle, that may be useful in treating amatoxin poisoning - if it is administered soon after poisoning occurs. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
    
    Lion
    
    Christine beat me to it! <3 Yes, they are often mistaken for other edible mushrooms (especially by those new to foraging)...which can be fatal! Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      I just copied and pasted from the description on one of my shots of this fungus ;P. Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Patomarazul
        
        Lion
        
        Gosh! now the name sounds right! Posted 5 years ago
      2. Flown Kimmerling
        
        Lion
        
        It is suitable, isn't it? Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Very beautiful shot! Posted 5 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thank you! Posted 5 years ago

The Funeral Bells

"Galerina marginata", known colloquially as the funeral bell or the deadly skullcap, is a species of poisonous fungus in the family Hymenogastraceae of the order Agaricales.

Info 36 0

Similar species: Agaricales

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling