Siphakeme .Mnindwa
AS the rainy season brings forth a vibrant array of fungal species and mushrooms, concerns are growing about the dangers of mistaken identity.
With annual reports of fatalities linked to poisonous mushroom consumption, experts are urging caution and highlighting the importance of proper identification.
Tragedies like the recent death of two family members from poisonous mushrooms in the Mbembeswana area in Bubi District, Matabeleland North, serve as stark reminders of the risks.
Two minors are currently fighting for their lives at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo after ingesting deadly mushrooms.
To mitigate such incidents, authorities advise against purchasing or consuming randomly picked mushrooms. Instead, they recommend seeking guidance from knowledgeable individuals or experts.
Speaking to the Saturday Chronicle, local mushroom enthusiasts shared traditional strategies for distinguishing edible from poisonous varieties.
These time-tested methods passed down through generations, remain essential in the absence of modern, scientifically-backed techniques.
“If you see mushrooms that have been eaten by wild animals and insects, it means that even people can eat them without harm. Some mushrooms are difficult to differentiate because they look the same, both edible and poisonous.
From the knowledge we received from our elders, you have to break a part of the mushroom and see if it releases water or a milk-like substance,” said Vincent Bhebhe from Mberengwa.
Bhebhe explained that mushrooms releasing water tend to be poisonous, while those releasing a milk-like substance are edible. He also mentioned that mushrooms growing under exotic gum trees are poisonous, even if they are a well-known edible type.
Expert Colet Nyakunu highlighted Zimbabwe’s rich tradition of mushroom foraging, but also the significant risks involved. He said that many toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible varieties, making it easy for even experienced foragers to make fatal mistakes.
Some of the poisonous species mentioned by Nyakunu include the death cap (Amanita phalloides), the destroying angel (Amanita virosa), and the false morel (Gyromitra esculenta), which can cause severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, organ failure, and death.
“In Zimbabwe, certain wild mushrooms are widely consumed due to their nutritional value and cultural significance.
“However, some of these popular varieties have toxic lookalikes that can be deadly if misidentified,” said Nyakunu.
Nyakunu said mushrooms can be identified through their aroma or the places where they grow, noting that some edible mushrooms grow in termite mounds.
He stressed that toxic mushrooms and their lookalikes are deceptive and pose a significant health risk.
“To avoid these dangers, it is advisable to purchase mushrooms from reputable suppliers, such as supermarkets and certified local growers,” he said.
Vendors selling mushrooms in the streets of Bulawayo stated that to avoid danger, they sell specific, well-known varieties. They source these mushrooms from rural areas where foraging is done.
“I started selling mushrooms recently and I selected the well-known variety. Everyone who passes by recognises them as ‘indlebe zikagogo’, meaning everyone knows them,” said one vendor operating at the corner of Jason Moyo and Sixth Avenue.
Another vendor said: “If you see flies on the mushrooms, you know the variety is edible because no pests or anything alive interacts with poisonous varieties. Also, we heard that mushrooms near or under gum trees are toxic.”
Mushrooms are a delicacy enjoyed by many families in Zimbabwe, but some are poisonous, leading to fatalities over the years.
In 2020, nearly 20 deaths from mushroom poisoning were recorded in the country, with 11 of the victims from the Midlands Province.
As the debate surrounding mushroom identification continues, one thing is clear: caution and education are key to avoiding the devastating consequences of mistaken identity. – @SikhulekelaniM
