help id this fungi please

tameblackbirds · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 01:29 PM

I touched this fungi last year, picking it up for closer look. not sure if a coincidence but within 10 mins had violent stomach ache felt sick and struggled to get back to my car. Would like to find out if it was a coincidence or was I just stupid picking up a fungi that was potentially harmful?

Lancashire Lad · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 01:53 PM

It's a spiny (or hedgehog) puffball - Lycoperdon echinatum. (size ranges up to about 6-7cm diameter).

Although classed as inedible, it isn't what would be considered dangerously poisonous, (I think more a case of it probably tasting horrible), and certainly wouldn't harm you by just touching it.

Even the most deadly of fungi won't harm you by just handling them - as long as good basic hygene precautions are observed, eg. washing hands before eating etc.

Go out there and find some more - they're very interesting.

(PS. the one you found isn't all that commonplace either).

Regards,
Mike

kiltoncomp · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tameblackbirds

I touched this fungi last year, picking it up for closer look. not sure if a coincidence but within 10 mins had violent stomach ache felt sick and struggled to get back to my car. Would like to find out if it was a coincidence or was I just stupid picking up a fungi that was potentially harmful?

it looks like Lycoperdon echinatum, and although classed as inedible , im sure your symptons had nothing to do with picking up this fungi at all,
as some of our more knowlwdgeable members will, no doubt shortly tell you, you would have to eat the fungi to show any symptons of poisioning,

Brian.

tameblackbirds · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 02:01 PM

Thanks |Mike I always thought it was a coincidence it was on a nature reserve and though it was last year picture submitted was taken couple of days ago. the reason I picked it up was its likeness to a hedgehog. Thanks for the information. Took a picture of what I think is a bracket fungus too colour of honey. Yes I will look for more

tameblackbirds · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tameblackbirds

I touched this fungi last year, picking it up for closer look. not sure if a coincidence but within 10 mins had violent stomach ache felt sick and struggled to get back to my car. Would like to find out if it was a coincidence or was I just stupid picking up a fungi that was potentially harmful?

Just looking a a post by Stewart as regards helping develop Fungi pages. I asked for help to id the above fungi but seem unable to find it in Fungi section Am I missing it or do I need to add it to page?