It's springtime when mushrooms and plants thrive in the wild, attracting 'hunters' to collect them and put on the dining table. But, you might not know the fact that some poisonous mushrooms and edible ones look similar in the wild. Most people can't identify them with their naked eye unless they are qualified. Also, people die eating them mistakenly.
So, what are some common toxic springtime wild mushrooms and other hazardous plants? And what should we do if we ingest them by mistake?
Amanita phalloides, or death cap.
There is a saying that "mushroom with pale colors is edible." This is totally wrong when come to Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the death cap, which are usually white. They often have a faint, honey-sweet smell. Mushroom hunters often confuse them with edible mushrooms.
The species is native to Europe, and widespread around the world now, including China. It is one of the most poisonous of all known mushrooms. Only 30 miligrams can be lethal, and the symptoms will be seen 8 to 12 hours after ingesting.
Coriaria nepalensis, or masuri berry (Left), mulberry (Right).
Masuri berries have a similar color to mulberries, and taste sweet. However, eating masuri berries can cause vomiting and other symptoms of poisoning . In severe cases respiratory failure, and people going into a coma can occur.
These berries are always consumed by children as they can't distinguish one from another without adult guidance.
Here are some safety tips for wild mushrooms and plants:
Look-alike mushrooms and plants can fool you. NEVER pick and eat them unless they've been identified by an expert!
Cooking doesn't make a poisonous mushroom safe. You need to buy edible ones at supermarkets.
Symptoms from eating toxic mushrooms and plants can be delayed for many hours.
Go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance once you feel unwell.
Keep a sample of the mushrooms or plant for testing.
(All photos via CFP)
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