There are many edible native plants in New Zealand. However, these should not be mistaken for the palatable plants of New Zealand. Even the native Maoris tended to rely mostly on fleshy foods from birds, sea food, insects and introduced rats rather than the native plants, with a few exceptions including mushrooms.
As is common in a society that recorded information in folk tales and lived in relative isolation from other tribes it is not known which selection of mushrooms appealed to the native Maori, as the names recorded at that time are not considered to be accurately recorded with the specific mushroom. Today fungi are common in New Zealand and, according to Crowe (2004), there are over 20,000 species to be found in New Zealand and only a quarter named. It is unknown which of these can be considered native to New Zealand and which have been introduced.
What are Fungi?
A fungus (plural fungi) often goes unnoticed buried in the ground or decaying wood. The mushroom is the reproductive part of fungi that produces and releases spores. It is visible to the eye as the cap, stipe/stem and gills.
Most people could be forgiven for believing fungi are plants. They do in fact share many similar characteristics with plants, which are more obvious than those they share with animals. Unlike plants, fungi do not photosynthesise; instead, they digest nutrients. They are also composed of chitin, which forms the exoskeleton on insects and arthropods. As they do not fit under either classification easily, some have suggested they form their own classification as Kingdom Fungi.
Poisonous Species of Fungi in NZ
Even though there are only a dozen or so poisonous species of mushrooms in New Zealand, people are wary of collecting any other than the typical field mushroom. The death cap is responsible for the majority of deaths that occur from mushroom poisoning around the world.
Statistics provided by Crowe (2004) suggest 90-95% of all deaths around the world are linked to the Death Cap. There haven't, however, been any recorded deaths in New Zealand linked to any mushrooms (Connor & Fountain, 2009). Poisonous New zealand fungi include:
- The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides): The Death Cap and the typical field mushroom share many similarities, so you must be careful when identifying and collecting mushrooms in the wild for consumption. The death cap is approximately 7-9 cm wide and can have a slight green/fawnish tinge to the cap. The Death Cap has white gills and a white cup at the base of the stem and can be found under oak trees in certain areas of the North Island. It is the phallotoxins and amatoxins present in the mushroom that make it dangerous and potentially lethal. There can be a delay of usually 6 hours before the onset of symptoms occurs, including vomiting and diarrhoea. In some cases only a successful liver transplant can treat poisoning.
Other potentially poisonous species of mushrooms include:
- Clitocybe (Clitocybe species): The poison in this fungus is Muscarine and can result in rapid nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, wheezing, pin point pupils, blurred vision, excess saliva production, confusion, sweating and weakness. This can sometimes lead to collapse and death.
- Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria): These look innocuous enough as the childhood toadstool found in many fairytales, however the presence of ibotenic acid and muscimol throughout the mushroom causes hallucinations, vomiting, diarrhoea and convulsions.
- Brittle Gills (Russula species): An unknown toxin leads to rapid and severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Brain mushroom or False Morel (Gyromitra esculenta): Symptoms can occur 4-6 hours after ingestion and include abdominal discomfort, headaches, vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases could lead to convulsions, liver and kidney failure or put the person into a coma.
Identification is the most important part when collecting mushrooms intended for consumption. Always be sure of the species you intend to eat. If you are uncertain or unable to identify them, then leave them alone. And, while field guides can be an invaluable resource to take with you, make sure it pertains to the local area.
Once you are sure of the species, eat in moderation to ascertain whether or not you may suffer from allergies to certain mushrooms which can be considered edible for others. If poisoning does occur then contact the National Poisons Centre, which is located in Dunedin and is a part of the University of Dunedin. They operate a 24 hour telephone service on 03-474-7000.
The Poisons Centre provides information and advice in regards to different types of poisonous items. If you suspect you may have consumed a poisonous item then try to isolate the plant name or chemical you suspect you have consumed to advise the professionals. If you are unable to reach the National Poisons Centre then dial the National Emergency number 111.
Common Misconceptions
Old wives tales encroach on our superstitious natures and the uninformed person can become trapped in this false knowledge. In the case of choosing a safe and edible mushroom to eat, make sure you are informed. Some of the more common myths are listed below:
- If animals and insects eat it then it is safe for human consumption.
- Only poisonous mushrooms have a bitter taste.
- Poisonous mushrooms react with silverware and silver coins by tainting them black.
- Poisonous mushrooms are shiny and, when cut, a milky liquid can be seen.
- You can kill the poison by boiling, rinsing, salting or peeling the outer layer off the cap.
References
- Crowe, Andrew, 2004, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand, Penguin Books
- Craw, C. J., 1995, Poisonous Plants and Fungi in New Zealand, Northland Regional Council
- Connor, H. E., & Fountain, J. S., 2009, Plants that Poison: A New Zealand Guide, Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd
Bridget Murray - Kia Ora, Nga mihi nunui kia koutou Nau mai haere mai ki tooku nei wharangi Ko Bridget Murray ahau My name is Bridge and i live ...
