Omphalotus olearius

Omphalotus olearius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Agaricales
Family: Omphalotaceae
Genus: Omphalotus
Species:
O. olearius
Binomial name
Omphalotus olearius
(DC.) Sing. (1948)
Synonyms[1]
  • Agaricus olearius DC. (1815)
  • Agaricus olearius subsp. phosphoreus Battarra ex Pers. (1828)
  • Dryophila phosphorea (Battarra ex Pers.) Quél. (1888)
  • Clitocybe olearia (DC.) Maire (1933)
  • Clitocybe phosphorea (Battarra ex Pers.) Bohus (1957)
Omphalotus olearus from South Africa

Omphalotus olearius,[2] commonly known as the jack-o'-lantern mushroom, is a poisonous orange gilled mushroom that to an untrained eye appears similar to some chanterelles. It is notable for its bioluminescent properties. It is found in woodland areas in Europe, where it grows on decaying stumps, on buried roots or at the base of hardwood trees. It has also been reported from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. A similar, but phylogenetically distinct[3] 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 lethal, consuming this mushroom leads to very severe cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference urlFungorum synonymy: Omphalotus olearius was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Singer R (1948) In: Pap. Mich. Acad. Sci. 32: 133 ('1946').
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kirchmair2004 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).