Agaricus Muscaris

Classification:

Kingdom: Fungi
Class: Agaricomycetes
Family: Amanitaceae
Genus: Amanita
Species: A.muscaria
Common name: Fly Agaric
Scientific name: Amanita muscaria

Introduction:
Agaricus muscaris, also called as Amanita muscaria is one of the most famous mushroom in the world. It has bright red cap with white spots on it. It seems to be beautiful, but can be very poisonous. These types of mushrooms are commonly found in many parts of Northern Hemisphere such as Europe, Asia and North America. Some people used to put it in the milk to kill flies, from this it was named as Fly Agaric.

Habit and Habitat:
Fly Agaric mainly grows in forests near trees like pine and spruce. These types of mushrooms grow in cold, temperate regions having moist soil. It can be seen in groups or can be alone. It can be found during late summer or in early winter months. It depends on living trees not on dead and decaying matter. It has specific relationship with tree roots where mushroom helps tree to absorb water and minerals. Whereas, tree provides sugar to mushroom produced by the process of photosynthesis.

Morphology and Anatomy:
Agaricus muscaris is round and dome- shaped having bright red coloured cap covered having white wart like spots on the top. It has closely arranged white gills under the cap which are responsible for producing or releasing spores. These spores are white in colour. The stem of mushroom is thick, white and tall having ring like structure with bulb shape base at the bottom.

Medicinal use:
In ancient time, this type of mushroom was used in many different cultures as a natural drug for healing.  Some people also used it for the treatment of fatigue and anxiety. They also believed that it can help them to communicate with spirits, treat mental illness or reduce pain. But it is not safe for regular medicine use.  

Causes:
At present, this mushroom is considered to be poisonous as it contains many strong chemicals such as muscimol and ibotenic acid which can affect brain and body. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and seizures.