Jack-o'-lantern
A species of Omphalotus Scientific name : Omphalotus olearius Genus : Omphalotus
Jack-o'-lantern, A species of Omphalotus
Scientific name: Omphalotus olearius
Genus: Omphalotus
Photo By Thomas Schoch , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The jack-o'-lantern (Omphalotus olearius) lives up to its nickname in more ways than one. Not only are the caps often large, round, and as orange as pumpkins, but at night these mushrooms even glow. In the darkness, their bioluminescent gills can be seen emitting a spooky green light. In fitting with the scary theme, this fungus is also extremely poisonous.
Colors
Brown
Yellow
Orange
Habitat
The jack-o'-lantern can be found in woodland settings, but also in landscaped areas. It usually grows from decaying buried roots of trees, on stumps, and decaying wood. It is very common with olive trees in southern Europe.
* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.
People often ask
General Info
Toxicity
Jack-o'-lantern' is typically found in decaying wood or forest areas, especially during warmer seasons. With its neurotoxic properties, it may cause severe physical symptoms such as consciousness clouding, perspiration, digestion problems, and even paralysis. Its noticeable orange glow may help in distinguishing it from other non-toxic species. Any interaction with 'jack-o'-lantern' should be supervised due to its potential danger to human health.
Habitat
The jack-o'-lantern can be found in woodland settings, but also in landscaped areas. It usually grows from decaying buried roots of trees, on stumps, and decaying wood. It is very common with olive trees in southern Europe.
Growth Form
Saprobic; clustered
Sporocarp Height
7-20 cm
Cap Diameter
4-12 cm
Endangered Species
No
Habit
Saprophytic
Substrate
On wood
Smell
Not distinctive
Spore Print
Whitish
Species Status
Uncommon but far from rare
How to identify it?
Similar Species
Photo By Thomas Schoch , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Gilled fungi Family
Marasmiaceae Genus
Omphalotus Species
Jack-o'-lantern