Tricholoma equestre

Tricholoma equestre

Tricholoma equestre, commonly known as the man on horseback, is a species of fungus in the family Tricholomataceae. It is a basidiomycete mushroom that has been traditionally consumed in parts of Europe but has been associated with cases of rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury following consumption.

Description

Tricholoma equestre has a distinctive appearance with a yellow cap that can range from 5 to 12 cm in diameter. The cap is convex to flat, often with a slightly depressed center, and is sticky when wet. The gills are yellow and notched, while the stipe (stem) is also yellow, measuring 4 to 10 cm in length and 1 to 2 cm in thickness. The spore print is white.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is typically found in coniferous forests, particularly under pine trees. It is widely distributed across Europe and parts of North America. Tricholoma equestre fruits in late summer to autumn.

Toxicity

Although Tricholoma equestre was once considered a choice edible mushroom, reports of poisoning have emerged, particularly in France, where consumption has been linked to rhabdomyolysis, a condition involving the breakdown of muscle tissue. Symptoms can include muscle pain, weakness, and myoglobinuria. The exact toxin responsible is not well understood, and caution is advised when consuming this mushroom.

Related Species

Tricholoma equestre is part of a complex of closely related species, including Tricholoma flavovirens, which is often considered synonymous. Other related species include Tricholoma auratum and Tricholoma sejunctum.

Related Pages

• Tricholoma
• Mushroom poisoning
• Rhabdomyolysis

References

• Bresinsky, A., & Besl, H. (1990). A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Fungi: A Handbook for Pharmacists, Doctors, and Biologists. Wolfe Publishing Ltd.
• Benjamin, D. R. (1995). Mushrooms: Poisons and Panaceas. W.H. Freeman and Company.
• "Tricholoma equestre". (2023). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricholoma_equestre