Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Rare poisonous mushroom found at estate in Soest
Mycologist Rob Chrispijn found two sticky amanitas at De Paltz estate in Soest, in the Netherlands.
The mushroom, nicknamed the Angel of Death, was thought extinct on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
It is listed as threatened in the Netherlands and has declined sharply.
Soil pollution from excess nutrients and acidification, with nitrogen playing a role, are among the pressures on the species.
Eating the mushroom can be life-threatening without medical treatment, even though symptoms may not appear at first.
Nausea and severe stomach and intestinal problems can follow, and the liver and kidneys may be damaged after about two days.
One of the two specimens was taken for further study, while the other remains at the estate.
A rare and poisonous mushroom known as the “Angel of Death” was found at De Paltz estate in Soest.
Mycologist Rob Chrispijn found it in two places while leading an excursion.
The sticky deathcap is listed as threatened in the Netherlands and was considered extinct on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Eating the mushroom can be life-threatening without medical treatment, and its effects may include lasting damage to the liver and kidneys.
One of the two specimens was taken for further research, while the other remains at the estate.
- Who
- Mycologist Rob Chrispijn found the mushroom.
- What
- A rare, poisonous sticky deathcap, also called the “Angel of Death,” was found in two places.
- When
- The discovery was reported on October 26, 2026.
- Where
- De Paltz estate in Soest, on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
- Why
- It is threatened, with nitrogen and soil acidification among the factors linked to its decline.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chrispijn discovered the mushroom at one location on the estate.
During tours of the estate, the mushroom was found at a second location.
Reports on the discovery were published, and one specimen had been taken for further research.
- Species
- Sticky deathcap (kleverige knolamaniet)
- Nickname
- Angel of Death
- Location
- De Paltz estate, Soest
- Discoverer
- Rob Chrispijn, mycologist
- Number found
- Two specimens
- Research
- One specimen taken for further examination
3 sources
What people are saying
I jumped for joy.
The species is very rare. Nitrogen and acidification play a role.
After two days, the liver and kidneys are affected and the consequences can be lasting.
People in the Netherlands are a little afraid of mushrooms.