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Jack O' Lantern mushrooms


Jack O' Lantern mushrooms
Photo Information
Copyright: John Denk (jpdenk) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 234 W: 1 N: 356] (965)
Genre: Fungi
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07-22
Categories: Fungi
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5
Exposure: f/3.2, 1/60 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-02-22 14:20
Viewed: 423
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Jack O' Lantern mushroom, Omphalotus illudens/olearius, the name for this Omphalotus of eastern North America is under discussion. It may or may not be the same as the European O. olearius.

It's said to glow in the dark due to the presence of a chemical called luciferin, but many people report being unable to see this phenomenon.

This beautiful orange mushroom often grows in large clumps around the base of hardwoods, Oaks in my area, and is often abundant. This is a very toxic mushroom and is occasionally consumed in error by inexperienced mushroom pickers who think they've found the mother lode of Chanterelles, which are actually quite different than this species, but if one is going just by a photo in a field guide, then the mistake might be made. If you eat this mushroom, it probably won't kill you, but it's said that if you are unfortunate enough to eat these, you will wish that it would kill you, as it causes violent illness that usually requires hospitalization.

In spite of its toxicity, it yields a chemical, MGI-114 (6-hydroxymethylacylfulvene; irofulven) that is now being used as a chemotherapy drug.
kmr13777, Royaldevon, boreocypriensis has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To tuslaw: Thanks Ronjpdenk 2 02-23 06:03
To Royaldevon: Thanks Bevjpdenk 1 02-22 17:39
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello John (aka Derek)

Interesting notes!
This is an excellent shot of this toxic plant!
No wonder people are tempted to eat them! They look like a pile of oven-bottom cakes!

Good sharpness and lovely details, not only of the fungus, but also its habitat!

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

John,
Your actually making me hungry for spring Morels. I'll be out looking for them and ramps in a few months. I've seen these type while out but never knew the proper name for them.
Your photos are so sharp and detailed it's like viewing them right in the woods. Thanks for posting such magnificent shots.
Ron

Hi John, A wonderful-perfect mushroom capture with splendid focus, wonderful colors, nice lighting and excellent sharpness! TFS.
Have a nice weekend friend!
Cheers,

Bayram

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