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Ghost fungus
A species of Omphalotus Scientific name : Omphalotus nidiformis Genus : Omphalotus
Ghost fungus, A species of Omphalotus
Scientific name: Omphalotus nidiformis
Genus: Omphalotus
![Ghost fungus (Omphalotus nidiformis)](/wiki-image/1080/152628646522126336.jpeg)
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Description
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The ghost fungus is an Australian mushroom, similar in appearance to the well-known Pleurotus ostreatus (the Oyster mushroom). So similar, in fact, that it was even once considered a member of the same genus. But unlike the oyster mushroom, the ghost fungus is not edible, but mildly poisonous instead.
Colors
Brown
Gray
Orange
Cream
Habitat
The ghost fungus can be found in woods, particularly eucalyptus woodlands, but also in semi-urban environments such as parklands. It feeds on decomposing organic matter and it's found growing on dead or dying trees, fallen logs and trunks, or at the base of living trees.
* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.
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People often ask
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General Info
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Toxicity
The ghost fungus is a highly toxic mushroom that causes severe gastrointestinal disturbances. The most common symptoms of poisoning include violent vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, and sweating.
Habitat
The ghost fungus can be found in woods, particularly eucalyptus woodlands, but also in semi-urban environments such as parklands. It feeds on decomposing organic matter and it's found growing on dead or dying trees, fallen logs and trunks, or at the base of living trees.
Growth Form
Saprobic, clustered
Cap Diameter
30 cm
Habit
Saprophytic
Substrate
On wood
Smell
Not distinctive
Spore Print
White
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How to identify it?
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Similar Species
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Club fungi Class
Mushroom-forming fungi Order
Gilled fungi Family
Marasmiaceae Genus
Omphalotus Species
Ghost fungus ![](/wiki-static/name/a4119999746f4ab49c83ebb69ac0e9df/website/img/icon/field_icons/icon_Similar Species@2x.png)
Similar Species
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