What's Happening in Nunawading, VIC…

Residents in Mitcham, Victoria, have been warned to watch out for poisonous mushrooms.

Victorians living in metropolitan suburbs and regional areas were also issued with the alert, after prevailing autumn conditions favouring the growth of poisonous varieties were experienced.

The state’s Chief Health Officer, Michael Ackland, encouraged people not to collect wild mushrooms after two of the most dangerous varieties were identified. They included the Yellow Staining mushroom Agaricus xanthodermus, and the Amanita phalloides known as the death cap fungus.

When digested, the mushrooms – which are among the most deadly – attack the body by preventing some kidney and liver proteins forming, which can lead to a coma or death.

Ackland said that by collecting wild mushrooms, people were inadvertently putting themselves at risk of picking up toxic species.

Royal Botanic Gardens mycologist Dr Tom May echoed the warning, saying the death cap was rife across Melbourne in private and public gardens.

Despite having a year-long presence, the death cap is more abundant in autumn after a period of solid rain as has just been experienced.

Dr Ackland recommended lovers of mushrooms in their diet should access them directly from supermarkets and other retail outlets.

He said anyone who falls ill after eating mushrooms should immediately seek medical advice. Providing a sample for the doctor was also recommended for identification purposes.