MEDICINAL PLANTS

The Amanita muscaria is a mushroom of considerable size. The diameter of the hat between 6 and 25 cm, and the foot reaches 30 cm in length, has a regular hat and red, though its tone will change over time, the border may be orange. On its surface is sort of scattered patches or white flakes. The foot is white, is bulky and has a hanging ring, also white. The lamellae are of the same color, though the oldest are turns yellow. This fungus grows in all types of forests, either coniferous, oak, beech, etc., And in all kinds of terrain. It can be found throughout Spain, although predominantly in the northern part of the peninsula.

FLOWERING

The fly agaric is a fungus and therefore has no flowers or flowering season. The basic vegetative fungi is composed of the mycelium, which in turn consists of a series of hebrillas that stretch underground, appearing together at the foot of the mushroom itself. This part remains all year. The reproductive tract as is the mushroom. The lamellae are in the hat containing spores. Typically, fly agaric appear in the autumnal months, but sometimes when the weather may appear in the summertime.

APPLICATIONS

The fly agaric contains, although in very small proportion-an alkaloid known as muscarine, which is not unique to this fungus, since other amanita-and other species, also contain it. This fungus, like the amanita Faloides, is toxic, although its symptoms and effects are different: after ingesting the first symptoms appear shortly-between one and three hours. Heartburn occurs but may also be cases of vomiting and diarrhea. However, the most common and best known is that of drunkenness, which produces hallucinations and disturbances in the affected nerve. This situation becomes over time a decline that eventually causes a deep sleep. Sometimes there are other effects such as decreased urination, constriction of the pupil and increased production of saliva and sweat. Some people think that the fungus becomes harmless if skinned, but this is totally ruled out.

ADMINISTRATION

The fly agaric is a poisonous fungus. However, in Siberia mushroom used in ancient times (back in the eighteenth century) as a hallucinogenic drug in the celebration of some religious ceremonies.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Agaricaceas
HABITAT: In all types of forests
FLOWERING: Appears in autumn
PART USED: None
CASTILIAN: Falsa oronja, matamoscas
CATALAN: Reig bord
BASQUE: Kuleto falsoa

USES

Toxic Strong.