Podostroma cornu-damae

Podostroma cornu-damae (also placed in the genus Trichoderma) is one of the most dangerous fungi in the world, sometimes called the poison fire coral. It is instantly recognizable by its bright red, finger-like or branched fruiting bodies that rise from the forest floor, resembling a piece of coral or a clutch of red antlers rather than a typical capped mushroom. Native to East Asia, it is responsible for documented human fatalities and is notable because its toxins can be harmful even through handling.

History

The species was first described from Japan and has long been known in Japanese as kaentake, meaning "fire flame fungus," a reference to its vivid red color. Its scientific epithet cornu-damae derives from Latin for "deer horn," describing the antler-like branching of the fruiting body. It has been recorded across Japan, Korea, and parts of China, and more recently reported in other temperate and subtropical regions. Several poisoning cases, including deaths, have been documented in the medical literature, which established it as one of the few mushrooms capable of causing fatal trichothecene mycotoxicosis.

Overview

Podostroma cornu-damae is a saprobic ascomycete that grows from buried wood and woody debris in forest soil, fruiting as erect red clavarioid structures. Its danger lies in a group of trichothecene mycotoxins, including satratoxins, roridins, and verrucarins. Poisoning typically begins with gastrointestinal symptoms within hours of ingestion, progressing to bone marrow suppression, peeling skin, hair loss, low blood pressure, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Because it superficially resembles harmless coral or club fungi, and even some edible species when young, accurate identification and complete avoidance are essential. It has no culinary or medicinal use and must never be touched or eaten.