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Jack-o'-lantern Mushroom

Fungi

Omphalotus olearius, commonly known as the jack-o'-lantern mushroom, is a poisonous orange gilled mushroom that can appear similar to some chanterelles to an untrained eye, notable for its bioluminescent properties. It grows in woodland areas of Europe, on decaying stumps, buried roots or at the base of hardwood trees, and a phylogenetically distinct but similar species found in eastern North America is Omphalotus illudens. Unlike chanterelles, Omphalotus olearius and other Omphalotus species contain the toxin illudin S and are poisonous to humans; while not typically lethal, eating this mushroom causes severe cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

Facts
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Orange throughout, unchanged when bruised or sliced, with sharp decurrent gills 1
Scientific Name
Omphalotus olearius 1
Sources
1. Omphalotus olearius - Wikipedia
  • Title and taxonomy
    Omphalotus olearius
  • Description
    Omphalotus olearius is the same shade of orange internally and externally.
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