Collect mushrooms: old species for beginners are so dangerous!

Collect mushrooms: old species for beginners are so dangerous!

The autumn time is mushroom time! There is a lot to discover in the forests around Cologne and beyond. Dagmar Detloff-Scheff, an experienced mushroom expert from the Duchy of Lauenburg, highlights the importance of fungi for the ecosystem in her current focus and gives valuable tips for newbies in the field of mushroom accumulation. It is not only actively in the local forest or maps all mushrooms in Schleswig-Holstein together with the working group Mycology, but also ensures that the public is sensitized to important topics related to mushrooms. In a current warning, she points out that old mushrooms can be harmful to health.

"Without mushrooms, our forests would hardly be viable," explains Detloff-Scheff. "They play an essential role in the decomposition of organic material and ensure that nature is brought back to their cycle." This confirms what various mycologists have also emphasized: mushrooms are not only diverse, but also indispensable for the well -being of our planet. The role of Mycorrhizen is particularly emphasized- these are symbiotic relationships between mushrooms and plants that ensure their water and mineral supply and promote the spread of vegetable communities. According to the DGFM, many animal species, including herbivorous vertebrates, have a similar dependence on mushrooms.

Tips for the mushroom harvest

If you want to go looking for mushrooms now, you should keep caution. Beginners should be limited to tube mushrooms that are easier to see. Detloff-Scheff advises to collect fresh mushrooms; This applies especially to the stone mushroom, which is great as a meat substitute. "Old mushrooms, on the other hand, should definitely be avoided, especially if they show signs of mold like gold mold," she warns.

Another important topic in the discussion is the toxic mushrooms. The green tuber mushroom is one of the most dangerous representatives in Germany. With difficult to recognize toxins, these fungi can lead to serious health problems. Detloff-Scheff recommends participating in guided mushrooms in order to better familiarize yourself with the matter. Your next hike will take place on October 10th in Schönwalde am Bungenberg, followed by another tour on October 12th in the Ritzerau Forst, with participation being for a fee.

The fascination of mycology

Files from the realm of mushrooms are still relatively unexplored. It is estimated that there are around 5 million mushroom types, but only about 80,000 are scientifically described. The field of mycology, i.e. science of mushrooms, is at the interface of many scientific disciplines - from ecology to microbiology. Thanks to their performance in recycling organic substances, fungi contributes significantly to the health of the ecosystem and are also of enormous importance for agriculture.

But mushrooms are not only active as a subsequent transformer, they can also appear as parasites. This dynamic is crucial for biodiversity in different habitats. Despite their importance, many types are threatened with extinction, which makes the work of experts like Detloff-Scheff particularly valuable: "It is extremely important that we expand our knowledge of fungi and its importance for the environment and at the same time sensitize the larger public," she emphasizes.

Conclusion: collecting mushrooms can be a wonderful way to enjoy nature and at the same time protect the biodiversity. But the necessary knowledge is a prerequisite in order to be able to use the beauty of the mushrooms safely. So stay curious and take good care of it!