Parasol Mushroom - Czech Republic

Macrolepiota procera - Parasol mushrooms belong to a mushroom type known as agarics, a category of mushrooms with the cap located on the stipe, as the stalk of a mushroom is called. The cap of a parasol mushroom is egged-shaped and only extends to a parasol shape at maturity. The lamella, or gills, are a papery structure found underneath the cap and are important for spore dispersal. The parasol mushroom is slightly toxic, but can be eaten if cooked.

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The Kingdom of Bohemia, sometimes called the Czech Empire, reached its apex in the 14th century under the Přemyslid Dynasty and extended its rule over a large segment of Central Europe. It included parts of Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. The Kingdom of Bohemia was a kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire and one of its most powerful. With the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, Bohemia was incorporated into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Slippery Jack Mushroom - Sachsen

With Napoleon’s abolishment of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806, the Electorate of Saxony was raised to an independent kingdom under Frederick Augustus I and joined the Confederation of the Rhine, a French client state. The confederation collapsed in 1813, a result of the French defeat in the Battle of Leipzig.

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Suillus luteus - Known as “Butterpilz” in German, the slippery Jack mushroom derives its name from the slimy coating covering the cap during moist weather. The mushroom, with the slimy coating washed away, is edible, but not highly regarded. As with most mushrooms, the slippery Jack forms symbiotic relationships with trees by enveloping the root system in a protective sheath. This coating assists the roots with absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. In return, the tree provides the mushroom with access to carbohydrates.

Death Cap - Macedonia

Amanita phalloides - The death cap, a mushroom originating in Europe, is commonly found growing under oaks and conifers during the early fall season. Ninety percent of fatal mushroom poisoning are caused by the ingesting of mushrooms from the amanitae family. The organic toxins of the death cap attack the kidneys, liver, the central nervous system, and the muscles. The death cap has a pale greenish color, the gills, the underside of the cap, and the stalk, also known as the stipe, are white.

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The Romans defeated Andriscus of Macedon, the last king of the Macedonian Empire, in 148 BC, and incorporated their newly won territory into the fold as the province of Macedonia. In the 4th century, the province was divided into northern and southern sections; Macedonia Salutaris and Macedonia Prima respectively. Most of present-day Macedonia was included in the northern section. In 395, the Roman Empire divided into east and west; Macedonia passed to the Byzantine Empire, the eastern section.

Giant Puffball - Sweden

The Swedish Empire flourished during the 17th and 18th century and saw Sweden rise to become a prominent European power. It began during the reign of Gustavus Adolphus. His successful leadership during the Thirty Years War propelled Sweden into an era referred to as the “Stormaktstiden,” the “Great Power Era.”

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Calvatia gigantea - The giant puffball is the most conspicuous and one of the largest mushrooms. It averages 25 to 30 centimeters in diameter, but can grow up to a staggering 70 centimeters in diameter. They are found in nutrient rich pastures and open fields during late summer or early fall. The giant puffball has no stem or stalk serving as a root; only mycelial fibers connect and hold it to the ground. The spores, when mature, can be released by the slightest pressure; even a heavy raindrop can result in a release of several trillion spores.