Galerina marginata

Galerina marginata – Autumn Skullcap – Deadly Galerina – Funeral Bell

Galerina marginata is a poisonous and sometimes deadly mushroom species commonly known as Autumn Skullcap – Deadly Galerina – Funeral Bell. It is a sabrobic species and mycorrhizal with tree trunks and roots. More specifically, it is usually found at the base of trees or on root extensions.

It contains phallotoxin and some amotoxins found in Amanita phalloides, the most common cause of human death in the world. It is categorized as one of the deadly poisonous mushrooms due to its toxic toxic substances. When consumed, it causes stomach pain and vomiting, followed by liver and kidney damage, and if not diagnosed and treated early, it should be taken into consideration that liver transplantation may be required and even painful death may occur.

CAP – In the beginning, the fungus is really small, less than 1 cm (less than 0.4 inches), but it grows quickly and can reach up to 7 cm (about 2.8 inches). In its early stages, the fungus cap looks like a bell. As it matures, it changes to a convex shape and almost flattens out. There’s a raised part in the middle called the umbo. The umbo is dark brown, and as you move towards the gills, the color lightens, taking on yellowish tones. Overall, there’s a distinct brown color.

GILLS – It has moderately spaced gills. The gills are attached to the stem, initially yellow-creamy in color, turning shades of brown as they age, and in the mature stage, rust-colored discolorations may be visible.

STEM – It features a slender stem with a diameter ranging from 2 to 6 mm and a height that can reach 2 to 8 cm (approximately 0.8 to 3.1 inches). There is a stationary ring on the cap, resembling an inverted skirt. As it matures, the ring starts to break apart, and even though it may fall off, remnants of it are preserved in the area where the ring was. The stem, fused with gills, is creamy towards the top and transitions to brown tones as you move towards the base. In mature specimens, it takes on rusty, woody colors.

OTHER INFORMATION

Skullcap is a saprobic species, meaning it obtains nutrients by breaking down organic matter. While it appears to be associated with many tree species rich in cellulose enzymes, it is more commonly observed growing on or near coniferous trees. It is not often seen individually but is typically found in groups. The fungus has an unpleasant smell. Spore print: Light brown. It is a fast-growing species and is usually encountered in the fall months, although it can be found almost throughout the season following rains.

Galerina marginata, also known as Funeral Bell, is deadly. It contains toxic substances called amatoxins. Although not as high in quantity as in Amanita Phalloides, similar substances are present in this fungus, and the dangers of amatoxins can emerge even with small doses. Furthermore, amatoxins are tightly bound to the substance, so the unscientific belief that boiling the mushroom in water will eliminate the poison should be avoided. When exposed to amatoxins, the liver is the first and most affected organ, as absorption occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Consumption leads to stomach pain and vomiting, followed by liver and kidney damage. Without early diagnosis and treatment, liver transplantation may be required, and painful deaths are possible.

When the cases of poisoning from Skullcap mushroom are examined, it is seen that the majority of those who eat it are mistaken for Armillaria mellea, known as honey mushroom. so remember that every mushroom is similar to each other

There’s no known antidote for Galerina marginata. Treatment mainly involves supportive measures to prevent or delay kidney damage.

* NOTES: Please use the information and pictures on our site only for researching species – Do not reference for edibility

Sources

-Syrio, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

–wikipedia.org

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