Pleurocybella Porrigens, Angel Wings

Day 34: Pleurocybella porrigens (Angel Wing Fungus) was once considered to be non-poisonous. However, in 2004, it was linked to the poisoning of 59 persons in Japan, nine of whom died as a result of consuming it. It is believed that the toxin involved may be an unstable amino acid which, after a period of two weeks produced symptoms including weakness and tremors followed a week later by evidence of brain lesions, seizures and high fever. It is unknown whether exceptionally abundant amounts of the toxin were produced in response to certain climatological factors in the area at the time, or if Pleurocybella occasionally produces more simply as a matter of course. Angel Wings have a close look-alike in the edible Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster mushroom). Oysters tend to be more creamy in colour and exhibit a short stipe (stem). Once again, I would remind my readers that there's a reason our local mycological society called their annual membership dinner the "Survivors' Banquet." I fear I've probably eaten more Pleurocybella than was good for me because my mother collected them believing them to be Oysters.