Omphalotus olearius

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Classification

Fungi; Basidiomycota; Agaricomycetes; Agaricales; Omphalotaceae

Omphalotus olearius

O. olearius fruiting bodies exhibiting blue-green bioluminescense

Description and Significance

Omphalotus is a genus of fungi which produces clumps of mushrooms in damp, forested areas. All known species of Omphalotus are thought to be poisonous, and produce a traditional steam and cap mushroom.

O. olearius is a mushroom reminiscent of a chanterelle mushroom. Like the chanterelle, its fruiting bodies have an appealing taste and odor, leading many people to consume them. However, unlike the chanterelle, O. olearius contains toxic compounds which can cause severe stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, it exhibits significant bioluminescence as well, which has resulted in it becoming known as the "Jack-o-lantern" mushroom. One point of interest is that the toxic compounds produced by O. olearius have been shown to contain an anti-cancer chemical known as irofulven. Currently, the mechanism of irofulven's anti-cancer properties is not well-understood, but it appear to be unique from other anti-cancer agents. [1]

Structure, Metabolism, and Life Cycle

Like many fungi, O. olearius is saprotrophic, which means that it digests its nutrition extra-cellularly. O. olearius is a chemoheterotroph and it decays dead organic material.

Ecology and Pathogenesis

Natural habitat (soil, water, commensal of humans or animals?)
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, or plant hosts? Important virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

References

[1] Spalding, Beatrix. "The Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom." Horticulture and Home Pest News 493.23 (2005): 111. Print.

Author

Page authored by Brett Hensrud, student of Mandy Brosnahan, Instructor at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, MICB 3301/3303: Biology of Microorganisms.