Which one of the following fungi contains hallucinogens?
- Morchella esculenta
- Neurospora sp.
- Amanita muscaria
- Ustilago sp.
Answer
(3) Amanita muscaria
Solution
Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) is a poisonous mushroom (toadstool) that contains hallucinogenic compounds (muscimol, ibotenic acid).
⇒ Morchella esculenta (morel) is an edible ascomycete; Neurospora is used in genetic and biochemical work; Ustilago is the smut fungus (plant parasite).
∴ Amanita muscaria contains hallucinogens.
Answer: (3)