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The bristly fly agaric (Amanita echinocephala) is a rare mushroom of the Amanita family. On the territory of Russia, the names Bristle-headed Fat Man and Spiny-headed Fly Agaric are also common.
Description of the fly agaric bristlecone
This is a large, light-colored mushroom; its distinctive feature is numerous rough growths on the cap. May be confused with other species that are both edible and poisonous. To distinguish it from its doubles, it is important to know the description of the Amanita bristles.
Description of the cap
The cap at the initial stage of development resembles an egg.As the fruiting body grows, it opens up and becomes flat. Diameter – 12-15 cm. The pulp is dense, fleshy. Mature Fatties sometimes have small teeth along the edge of the cap.
The color is white or light gray, becoming light ocher over time. There is a greenish tint. On the surface of the cap there are numerous “warts” - cone-shaped growths of the same color as the fruiting body.
The hymenophore located under the cap is lamellar. The plates are wide and arranged frequently, but freely. In young mushrooms they are white, but as they develop they acquire a yellowish color.
Description of the leg
The leg is wide and powerful. It widens at the base. Its height is 12-20 cm, thickness 1-5 cm. The color is white or light gray, sometimes yellow or ocher tones are present on the leg.
Small growths, like on a cap, and whitish scales are noticeable on the surface, but in smaller quantities. Sometimes they are missing.
Under the cap on the stem there is a characteristic ring-skirt, which consists of loose fibers.
Doubles and their differences
Fatty bristly has several doppelgängers. Not all of them are edible, so you need to know the differences.
Fly agaric ovoid (lat. Amanita ovoidea), a conditionally edible mushroom. You can fry or boil and only then eat it.
Unlike Amanita bristlecone, it does not have rough raised inclusions on the cap.
Amanita ovata grows in mixed forests, under beeches.
Amanita pearl (lat. Amanita rubescens), or Amanita rubescens, or gray-pink - a frequently encountered double. It grows in both coniferous and deciduous forests. Fruits from July to late autumn.
It differs from the Amanita bristlecone in the brownish-ochre color of the cap. He has a pleasant smell, unlike Fat Man. If you make a small cut on the cap, the white flesh turns red.
The pearl fly agaric is eaten after heat treatment. The mushroom is classified as edible.
Amanita pineal (lat. Amanita strobiliformis) - another double, a rare species. The difference from the Fatman bristly is the color of the “warts” on the cap. They are darker - grayish in color.
The fly agaric pineal mushroom is found in the Belgorod region in Russia. Fruiting is from July to September.
The fly agaric is a conditionally edible mushroom, but it is not recommended for consumption. The mushroom pulp contains hallucinogenic components, although in small quantities. In addition, it is easy to confuse it with the poisonous stumpy bristlecone.
Where and how does the bristly fly agaric grow?
This is a rare species that grows in deciduous or mixed forests, often in oak forests. Groups of mushrooms are found near various bodies of water.
In Russia, the bristlecone is common in Western Siberia. Mushrooms are collected from June to September.
Edible bristly fly agaric or poisonous
Amanita bristles should not be eaten, even after heat treatment. The mushroom is classified as inedible - its fruiting body contains a large amount of toxic substances.
Symptoms of poisoning and first aid
The first signs of poisoning appear 2-5 hours after consumption. These include the following symptoms:
- severe nausea;
- vomit;
- profuse sweating and salivation;
- frequent loose stools;
- abdominal pain;
- constriction of the pupils;
- pronounced shortness of breath;
- lowering blood pressure.
In case of severe poisoning, which occurs after eating a large amount of mushrooms, damage to the nervous system is noted. The victim feels dizzy and delirious.
If nothing is done in time, the poisoning moves to the next stage - convulsive compression of the throat, hallucinations, severe attacks of fear, while gastric disorders are alleviated. Sometimes attacks of aggression occur, the victim’s condition resembles alcohol intoxication.
At the first signs of poisoning, you should call an ambulance. Before doctors arrive, mitigate the symptoms of poisoning:
- Cleanse the stomach cavity by drinking 4-6 glasses of water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate (the liquid should be light pink, almost transparent).
- If there is no stool, a laxative or castor oil should be given.
- It is recommended to give cleansing enemas several times.
- For severe pain, you can apply warm heating pads to your stomach.
- If you have nausea and vomiting, you should drink salted water in small sips (1 tsp per 1 cup of water).
- If you are very weak, you should drink a cup of strong, sweetened tea, black coffee, or milk with honey.
- To protect the liver from toxins, it is recommended to take Milk Thistle or Silymarin extract orally.
Conclusion
Amanita bristlecone is a dangerous inedible mushroom that causes poisoning.Eating this species rarely leads to death, but the components contained in its pulp can cause serious harm to health. You should also treat look-alikes with caution - they are either inedible, conditionally edible mushrooms, or edible, but require heat treatment before eating. If a mistake was made in preparing dishes from these mushrooms, poisoning is possible.
More information about what Amanita bristlecone looks like:
