A 15centimeter mushroom with white gills, a whitish stem and a cap that sometimes takes on yellow or green hues and spreads across the soil of the United States does not seem to be different from the others. However, his name gives him away. The Death Hat is not harmless and can cause death to anyone who accidentally consumes it.
Amanita phalloides is responsible for 90% of deaths caused by fungi, a percentage that earns it the title of the deadliest plant in the world.
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Recently, the fungus made headlines after three people died in Australia after allegedly ingesting the fungus.
Why is it so deadly?
The danger of the dead hat lies in the amatoxins it contains. The substances can cause serious damage to the liver and kidneys because they prevent the formation of proteins in cells, leading to cell death and organ failure.
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In addition to their usual appearance, their toxins are odorless. Therefore, scientists recommend avoiding picking mushrooms.
Death Hat spreads
Originally from the United Kingdom and certain regions of Ireland, the cap mushroom spread to Australia and North America in the 20th century, but when it arrived there remains a mystery.
mycologist at University of WisconsinMadison and Anne Pringle, one of the greatest experts on death hats, clarifies that the fungus can thrive in different environments.
Proof of this is that it is found throughout Europe, growing in both the north of Sweden and the south of France.
Pringle reported that since its arrival in the United States, the fungus has expanded its geographic distribution and reached other states, including northern British Columbia and Canada.
Scientists don’t know how its presence affects the environment in which it grows. This investigation is currently ongoing.
Information comes from National Geographic
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