Fungi experts' warning on wild mushrooms - The West Australian

Fungi experts' warning on wild mushrooms - The West Australian: "Fungi experts meeting in Tasmania are warning of the dangers of eating the wrong mushrooms.

The inaugural Fungi Festival in Hobart has attracted more than 100 scientists, farmers and field naturalists from across Australia.

They're discussing the latest in fungal science, including the role of fungi in agriculture and forestry.

Fungi scientist Genevieve Gates says the event is also about raising awareness of the risks of eating wild mushrooms.

"They can kill you, they can break down your liver, they can break down your kidneys," Dr Gates said.

In the past decade, five people have died in Australia from eating poisonous mushrooms.

There have also been cases of serious illness.

Fungi expert Tom May says delegates have also been hunting for new species.

"We've come down to Tasmania for the Fungi Festival because it really is the fungus capital of Australia," Dr May said.

"It's the combination of the wet that fungi need to fruit and the fact that there's lots of wonderful forest here."

Experts are also looking at the role fungi can play in restoring degraded landscapes such as mine sites and forests.
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