consort to the Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences , there are more than6 millionspecies of fungi worldwide , many of which are mushroom . People tend to confuse them with toadstools because they count similar . Their definitions are n’t all the way - cut , but knowing the general difference between the two can possibly prevent sickness .

The Difference Between Mushrooms and Toadstools

While there areno biological differencesseparating toadstools and mushrooms as group , the former recording label often refers to poisonous fungi . The latter typically defines an eatable fungus . Again , these explanations are n’t definitive , as there ’s no scientific way to differentiate the two category . Things get complicated when you factor in in poisonous mushroom like thedeath cap mushroom , which can get kidney terms and — as the name paint a picture — dying .

AsGroCycleputs it , you could say that “ all toadstools are types of mushrooms , but not all mushrooms are toadstools . ” However , both are separate as the fruiting bodies of a fungus .

The Origins ofToadstool

So where did the termtoadstoolcome from , anyway ? The precise history of the word is hazy , but experts have some idea . Somebelieve the nametoadstoolcame from toad frog . The amphibians were known for carryingtoxinsanddisease , so toxic fungus became associate with them . Fungi were also tie to witch and evil spirit in theMiddle Ages , as they caused expiry and unwellness that were poorly empathize at the time .

eat up vicious mushroom or toadstool can run to manyissues , like vomiting , diarrhea , hallucinations , liver failure , and end . No home test can determine if a fungus is toxicant , so it ’s recommended that you do n’t scrounge for them unless you are an expert . Consider only exhaust mushrooms from a grocery store , Fannie Merritt Farmer market , or supermarket .

If you find confident in your foraging abilities — or if you ’re working with an expert — you could break outregional fungus guidesor thesemushroom designation appsfor backsheesh on finding comestible mushroom in the wilderness .

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

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