Poisonous and Non poisonous mushrooms

Certain test to identify poisonous mushroom.

• If the mushroom contains 0.5% alkaloid then the mushroom is poisonous.
• When touched with silver spoon if the spoon turns black ten the mushroom is poisonous.
• If the onion turns black on cooking with mushroom, then the mushroom is poisonous.
• When rubbed with mushroom , if the skin turns black then the mushroom is poisonous.

Generally , there are three genera of poisonous mushroom.

a) Lepiota

b) Galerina

c) Amanita

How to identify poisonous Mushroom ?

a. Habitat

• If the mushroom is growing on lawn or open area then it is edible but when they grow under trees or shrubs, it is non-edible.

b. Physical characteristics

• If the mushroom contains warts or scales then it is poisonous.
• The presence of a bulbous cup or sac around the base.
• A white spore print.
• Gills attached to cap and not to stalk.

Some of the well known poisonous mushrooms

a. Amanita spp.

b. Boletus spp

c. Agaricus xanthoderma

d. Paxilus spp

e. Galerina spp.

f. Lepiota spp.