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The flat-headed champignon (Latin name Agaricus placomyces) is a unique representative of the Agaricaceae family, genus Agaricus. It differs from most of its own kind not only in appearance, but also in that it is poisonous.
What does a flat-headed champignon look like?
A young flat-capped champignon has an egg-shaped cap, which straightens and becomes flat as it grows. Its size limit in a mature specimen reaches up to 10 cm in diameter, with a small tubercle visible in the center. The surface is dry, scaly, heterogeneous white-gray color.The scales themselves are gray-brown in color, merging in the center, forming a dark spot on the tubercle.
Under the cap, the plates are freely located close to each other. In a young mushroom they are pink, as they ripen they darken, becoming gray-brown.
The pulp is thin, white, and at the break at the base of the stem it very quickly acquires a yellow tint, and then turns brown. The smell is unpleasant, pharmaceutical, reminiscent of iodine, ink or carbolic acid.
The leg is thin, 6-15 cm in height and 1-2 cm in diameter. At the base it has a rounded thickening. The structure is fibrous. The cap of the young mushroom is connected to a ring located just above the middle of the stem; it is subsequently separated.
The spore powder is purple-brown in color, and the spores themselves have an elliptical shape under a microscope.
Where does the flat cap champignon grow?
The flat-headed champignon grows everywhere. It can be found in deciduous and mixed forests. Prefers moist, enriched soil with plenty of compost. Sometimes this species can be found near populated areas.
The fruiting bodies grow in groups, often forming a so-called witch's ring. They bear fruit in late summer and are most common in autumn.
Is it possible to eat flat cap champignon?
Despite the fact that most mushrooms of the Agaricaceae family are edible and have excellent gastronomic qualities, the flat-headed champignon is a poisonous representative.
Symptoms of poisoning
If poisoning was caused by eating flat-headed champignons, then after 1-2 hours the following symptoms may appear:
- disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
- heaviness in the stomach;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- diarrhea.
At the same time, it is worth understanding that intoxication will increase as the number of mushrooms consumed, namely, the amount of toxins the body receives. In addition to the general symptoms of poisoning, the following signs are also added:
- stomach ache;
- general weakness;
- cold sweat.
First aid for poisoning
First aid for poisoning with flat-headed champignons consists of the following steps:
- You need to call an ambulance immediately.
- Before the doctors arrive, the victim must be given 2 tbsp. lightly salted water, and then induce vomiting. This action should be repeated several times so that the stomach is completely cleared of food debris.
- After gastric lavage, the victim must be given a sorbent to drink to avoid dehydration.
Timely first aid for poisoning allows you to quickly recover completely. But after suffering from intoxication, it is important to adhere to the prescribed diet.
Conclusion
The flat-headed champignon is a poisonous mushroom, its gastronomic qualities are quite low.The taste and smell directly indicate that it is better to avoid it than to risk your health.
