Specieswatch: red-capped fly agaric is a fungi cover star

Now is peak time for this mushroom, a favourite on book fronts and featured in Alice in WonderlandThe startling red cap of the fly agaric, Amanita muscaria, is a favourite image on the cover of books about fungi. It is unmistakable and dangerous, being toxic and hallucinogenic.Its name comes from its traditional country use in killing flies. Some of the mushroom soaked in a little milk in a saucer will attract flies and kill them after a few sips. Continue reading...