Clitocybe acromelalga (Dokusasako) — Poisonous Mushroom

Korean name: 독깔때기버섯

A mushroom that causes intense burning pain in the hands and feet after eating. Symptoms last for weeks and recovery takes a long time.

Key facts

• Category: Poisonous mushroom
• Toxicity: Poisonous — do not eat. Keep children and pets away.
• Native to: Korea, Japan
• Traits: Extremity pain, Burning sensation, Delayed onset, Long-lasting, Conifer forest
• Also known as: Paralepistopsis acromelalga, Dokusasako

Toxicity, identification & first aid

• Toxic symptoms: Contains acromelic acid. A few days after eating, severe burning pain and redness in the fingers and toes that can last weeks to months.
• Appearance: Cap 3–8 cm, yellow-brown to grey-brown and funnel-shaped. Crowded gills running down the stem.
• Where found: On the ground in conifer (pine) forests, in groups or scattered.
• Season: Autumn to early winter (October–December)
• Look-alike warning: Edible brown funnel mushrooms and the deceiver (Laccaria, conditionally edible).
• Emergency action: Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Watch for delayed symptoms. Treatment may be needed for several weeks.

Common questions

Can you eat Clitocybe acromelalga?

No. Clitocybe acromelalga is poisonous. Contains acromelic acid. A few days after eating, severe burning pain and redness in the fingers and toes that can last weeks to months.

What does Clitocybe acromelalga look like and where does it grow?

Cap 3–8 cm, yellow-brown to grey-brown and funnel-shaped. Crowded gills running down the stem. On the ground in conifer (pine) forests, in groups or scattered. Autumn to early winter (October–December)

What can Clitocybe acromelalga be mistaken for?

Edible brown funnel mushrooms and the deceiver (Laccaria, conditionally edible).

What should you do if someone eats Clitocybe acromelalga?

Call emergency services (119 in Korea) and go to the ER immediately. Watch for delayed symptoms. Treatment may be needed for several weeks.