Mushroom hunters cautioned about toxic lookalikes

Tuesday, 17 September 2024 06:30

Mushroom hunters are being warned of the spread of a new species could send you to hospital.

It’s the time of year that many head to the woods to look for chanterelle, but a toxic lookalike is spreading in French speaking Switzerland.

Called Clitocybe, it looks very similar to chanterelle. There were none 30 years ago, but with climate change they’re becoming more common.

The poisonous variety grows mainly under oaks – and develops from the tree. Chanterelles come from the ground.

Even so, all mushroom hunters are advised to get their harvest checked. There are centres in Geneva, Nyon and Gland.

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