Poisonous Plants in New Zealand - poisonous fungi
There are many fungi in New Zealand and the majority are not poisonous except to certain allergic people, but because they are often difficult to identify one should avoid eating any unknown fungus. In all cases it is the reproductive structure that we call the toadstool or mushroom that may be eaten. The term mushroom is usually restricted to the edible species of Agaricus that are commonly sold or collected growing in grassland. The word toadstool refers to any other fungus with a cap and stem (this may be long to very short) and thus includes both poisonous and non-poisonous species. The poisonous properties of some fungi, especially of native species, have not been properly investigated, and many of the fungi whose properties are better known are introduced species that grow in association with introduced temperate trees. The four fungi named in the list are all common, at least in some areas of both main islands, and also usually grow under or near introduced trees in gardens, parks, reserves and similar places.
Death cap (Amanita phalloides). One of the most poisonous fungi known. Although widespread in New Zealand, it is much less common than its better-known relation the fly agaric, A. muscaria [see below]. Death cap usually grows beneath oak trees, and may be increasing at present, as the fly agaric seems to be. Death cap has a yellowish or greenish-white cap, so is immediately recognisable from the more conspicuous fly agaric. Both fungi have white gills and a volva (membrane) at the base of the stem at ground level, this being a prominent white cup in the death cap. Note: edible mushrooms (Agaricus species) do not have a volva and the gills are pale pink to deep pink or pinkish brown.
Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria). This conspicuous red or orange-red toadstool with a cap that is speckled with white warty lumps is very poisonous if eaten. It is found where birches, oaks, pines, and native beech grow. (See also death cap above)
Roll rim (Paxillus involutus). This toadstool is immediately distinguished by its brown cap with the margin rolled under, whilst the greenish or brown gills are produced down the upper part of the stem and the latter lacks a volva (membrane). The poisonous roll rim often grows with fly agaric in colder parts of the country, especially under birch (Betula pendula) trees.
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