A poisonous (and very unusual) mushroom may begin to grow in Sochi — it must not be touched

In Sochi, a repeat of the situation with the proliferation of trellis, a poisonous fungus listed in the Red Book, is possible, biologist D. Cassanelli said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

In May last year, a similar phenomenon was observed for the first time in Sochi's Arboretum Park, presumably due to warm weather with high humidity.

As Cassanelli noted, on the coast, under normal weather conditions, the fungus begins to grow in April — May, this species is more common in southern areas. However, this year its massive expansion is also possible in the northern parts of the region. The expert added that this is also influenced by flies spreading the spores of the trellis.

As the biologist said, Sochi has the most suitable conditions for the reproduction of this fungus due to the Colchian forests, high humidity and warm weather that persists throughout the year.

The expert recalled that the trellis is listed in the Red Book, so researchers are watching it. It has an original shape, bright color and a scaring aroma.

According to Galina Soltani, an employee of the Sochi National Park, Candidate of Biological Sciences, it is not recommended to even touch this mushroom — it is fraught with poisoning.