death cap mushroom
Definition
A highly toxic species of fungus (Amanita phalloides) native to Europe and North America, characterized by its pale olive-green cap, white gills, and bulbous stem base; it contains deadly amatoxins that cause severe liver and kidney failure.
One of the world's most poisonous mushrooms, often mistaken for edible varieties due to its unassuming appearance, leading to the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings globally.
Examples
Foraging enthusiasts beware: mistaking a death cap mushroom for a chanterelle is like playing Russian roulette with your liver.
At the wild mushroom tasting, Dave proudly served death cap mushrooms, turning the gourmet dinner into an impromptu ER reunion.
The death cap mushroom lurks innocently in oak woods, whispering 'eat me' to the overconfident chef with a flair for the dramatic.
Survival guides emphasize that the death cap mushroom's charm is purely superficial – its gifts keep on giving for weeks.