Jack-o'-lantern Mushroom
Distribution
Southern Europe (Mediterranean region); North America (eastern US, primarily eastern and midwestern); also found in South Africa
Habitat
Saprotrophic on deciduous and mixed woodlands; decomposing hardwood stumps, logs, and buried roots; especially associated with olive trees in Mediterranean regions
Season
Late summer through autumn (July to November)
Toxin Type
Illudins
Symptoms
Severe nausea, violent vomiting, abdominal cramps, profuse diarrhea, general malaise, dehydration. Onset within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Symptoms can last several hours to days. Severe cases may require IV fluids and hospitalization.
Hallucinogenic Effects
No hallucinogenic or visual effects in humans. However, the mushroom is strikingly bioluminescent - the gills emit a soft green glow in darkness due to luciferin compounds. This bioluminescence is sometimes visible even to the naked eye in very dark conditions. Often mistaken for chanterelles due to orange color.