Identification
Large clustered mushroom on wood: cap orange-rusty, scaly; gills rusty; flesh bitter. Rusty spore print. Spectacular size and color — and it is poisonous.
Why it is dangerous
Contains gymnopilin and neurotropic (in some collections hallucinogenic) compounds; Japanese literature records "laughing mushroom" poisonings — delirium, nausea, gastrointestinal syndrome. Documented severe courses.
In practice
- Big rusty clusters on stumps are not honey fungi: check the rusty gills and bitter flesh.
- Confused with golden scalycap and honey fungi — when in doubt, skip.