The Fly Agaric or Amanita muscaria is by far the most recognizable mushroom in the world. Its iconic red cap with white dots is known around the world as a classic “toadstool”. In popular culture it is associated with Christmas/Santa Claus, Vikings in a berserker rage, and as a trippy mind altering mushroom (Through the Looking Glass/Alice in Wonderland). However, not all the popular assumptions made about this mushroom are true. . In my most recent podcast episode I debunk some of the most comm

🍄 Meet the real-life Mario mushroom: Amanita muscaria! As one of the most iconic mushrooms around, you may recognize it from Alice in Wonderland or the Mario super mushroom power up! Fly Agaric’s fruiting body emerges from the soil covered in a white veil of pointy warts. The red pellicle emerges as the cap grows and flattens with maturity to about 20cm wide. They have white gills and white spores. These beauties are poisonous and psychoactive ⚠️ . I was absolutely delighted to come across thes

The Truth About Santa and Amanita muscaria

Amanita muscaria matures from a small egg structure covered by a universal veil. Even after being picked, the mushroom continues to grow as long as it gets moisture. Here I am growing this in my Mella Mushroom Chamber (~80% humidity) and sprayed with water. This mushroom contains ibotenic acid that is mildly toxic (🤢🤮💩) and Muscimol (😵‍💫😴). You can double boil this mushroom to make it edible - but be very careful eating Amanitas as there are several deadly species. This time lapse took ~5