Brunch with Battutah
Toxic treasure - Cigel, Slovakia
Posted by Michael Skorulski (Cigel, Slovakia) on 7 January 2008 in Plant & Nature and Portfolio.
I licked my lips as I gathered this luscious mushroom and three of its cousins. I love fried fungi. They resembled the edible variety. But a local expert warned me against eating my gatherings. Disappointed, I tossed my toxic treasure onto a compost heap.
Ina from Krugersdorp, South Africa
Ahh, what a pitty that it was toxic! I love mushrooms as well. I've never seen one like this before, it does not have the domeshape like other mushrooms do. Anyway, nice capture, great closeup!
7 Jan 2008 7:42am
@Ina: Thanks, Ina. The edible species this resembles is Macrolepiota Konradii, known as Tall Bedla in Slovakia. The pictured mushroom in an inedible cousin.
Kelly from Ontario, United States
Very nice photograph. Edible or not, I love pictures of mushrooms and have tried to get a nice portrait, but none have come close to this beauty :o) By the way, thanks for all the positive comments :o)
7 Jan 2008 8:26am
@Kelly: Thanks, Kelly, for the kind comment. Mushrooms are a fascinating subject and infinite in variety.
@eddy: Thanks for the comment, Eddy.
@Steven: Thanks, Steven. There was a lovely mossy smell to the ground.
Illuci from Hurdegaryp, Netherlands
Like a commercial cry for attention between the leaves and twigs on the ground, I like it!
7 Jan 2008 9:12am
@Illuci: Thanks, Illuci. These fungal beauties really do grab your attention. The photo portrays the actual size.
Jeff from United States
What an intriguing shape this mushroom has! Well captured.
7 Jan 2008 9:57am
@Jeff: Many thanks, Jeff. Yes, it's very different from the dome-shape we are used to.
@Eleftheria, 9 years old,: Thank you so much for the nice compliment, Eleftheria.
Bob Israel from Brookfield, WI, United States
Love taking images of mushroom. I'll have to wait until spring!
7 Jan 2008 11:04am
@Bob Israel: I agree. Mushrooms are endlessly fascinating and even a little magical. Thanks for the comment.
@João MC Santos Photography: Many thanks for your kind comment.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Fabulous macro, the details are so clear I can almost feel the texture! And very clever title lol
7 Jan 2008 12:21pm
@Lorraine: Thanks so much. So happy you liked the photo and enjoyed the title. Even the toxic ones are photogenic.
Ondro from Brezno, Slovakia
this si one of the most poisonous mushrooms in the world I think :) you can die in 20 minutes after eating it :) great "dangerous" shot :)
7 Jan 2008 12:29pm
@Ondro: Thanks, Ondro. I'm very happy I asked first before eating. Yes, I've heard tragic stories of whole families dying after eating some of the mushrooms here.
@alla: Thanks, Alla. I was lucky on that one.
@Hinah: Thanks, Hinah. Nature really has the best colors.
HorseRotorVator from Newton, United States
Shroooooooms! Cool shot! Good thing that local expert saved you. You owe him your life. :)
7 Jan 2008 2:18pm
@HorseRotorVator: Sure do. Thanks for the comment.
Ken McCoy from Orlando-Daytona Beach, FL, United States
Good DOF - I wonder how this would look in b/w?
7 Jan 2008 2:44pm
@Ken McCoy: Thanks, Ken. I can give b/w a try.
yiannis krikis from thessaloniki, Greece
very nice image - I like the dof and the colors
7 Jan 2008 3:38pm
@yiannis krikis: Many thanks, Yiannis.
@Cathie et Michel: So kind of you to comment. Many thanks.
@Pedro: Thanks, Pedro. There is always a lovely earthy smell where you find mushrooms.
@Evi: Many thanks, Evi, for your kind compliment.
Richard_Irwin from Belper, United Kingdom
You had a lucky escape by the sounds of it - that looks like one of the deadly Amanita types. The thing is, the deadly ones always look the tastiest. I love picking fungi to eat too, but usually stick to the ones I know. Your photo is beautiful.
7 Jan 2008 10:28pm
@Richard_Irwin: Thank you, Richard for your kind words. Yes, this looks so much like an edible kind even my wife who is local said it was OK.
@Brites: Many thanks, Brites, for your remark.
MGB from Lisboa, Portugal
Fantastic decision to take a picture of it instead to eat it !!!:) Beautiful macro, Michael!
8 Jan 2008 1:47am
@MGB: Thanks. I thought it might be possible to take a photo then eat it. But this was not a good idea.
Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan
Beautifully shot with so many details!I'd say...just shoot...never pick up!!
Gabriela
8 Jan 2008 3:43am
@Japanalia: I agree, Gabriela. Many thanks.
Carson from Portland, United States
Yikes! That's a close call...but at least you captured a spectacular shot.
8 Jan 2008 1:55pm
@Carson: Thanks. I guess there are advantages to every situation.
