The Magic World of Mushrooms
Whilst doing research for a story about a little fellow called Fergus Fungus, I realised that there is lot to be discovered about the world of fungi.
In English we use a mix of words e.g. mushroom, toadstool and fungus (pl. fungi) whilst in German up to now I can only find the word “Pilz(e)”.
Fungi Family
You can’t really compare the fungi family with anything else in the natural world. They are not plants, bacteria, viruses nor animals.
In the diverse kingdom of fungi there are many different species which often have very appropriate common names., such as Shaggy ink cap, Ping pong bat fungus or Devil‘s finger. I can recommend a wonderful book called “An Anthology of Fungi” (DK Ltd) with fantastic illustrations and information.
Der Glückspilz
Probably the most recognisable fungus is the Fly agaric (der Fliegenpilz) with its floppy red spotted cap – apparently so-called because it was used to get rid of flies in the 19th century.
Ironically this little character often appears in children’s stories and is even seen as a symbol of luck (“Glückspilz”) in Germany. However, as I am sure you know, this is a very poisonous toadstool (Giftpilz) and should not be touched!!
Poisonous or not?
Occasionally in Autumn when I go walking in our local woods I spot someone with a basket hung over their arm searching for edible mushrooms in the underground. I am in awe of these mushroom pickers because they are so knowlegeable (and confident) about which type to collect. Knowing my luck, I would pick the “wrong” one and end up very ill, if not worse!
I actually don’t really like mushrooms but my husband loves them. When he first came to visit me on our farm I decided to pick and cook some field mushrooms which my father assured me were safe to eat. My husband is still living and must have been suitably impressed because we are still together after 40 years.
Hat off to those of you who know your mushrooms!
