"Can You Eat It?"... Giant Mushroom Grows in Downtown Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Draws Public Attention

A Mushroom Grows on the Median Strip Lawn After Heavy Rain
Authorities Warn: "Do Not Eat, It Is Toxic"

A giant mushroom was discovered in the heart of downtown Kaohsiung, Taiwan, following heavy rainfall, drawing significant public attention.

A large mushroom growing on the median strip of a road at the intersection of Fengnan Road in Fengshan District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan has become a topic of interest. Instagram

According to Taiwanese media such as ETtoday on August 5 (local time), a crowd of citizens gathered at the median strip on Fengnan Road in the Fengshan District of Kaohsiung to see the large mushroom. As people stopped to take photos of the mushroom, traffic was temporarily disrupted.

The mushroom also attracted attention on social networking services (SNS). Taiwanese netizens responded with comments such as "It's cute, can you eat it?", "Tonight's dinner menu is decided," and "It's so big."

It is estimated that the mushroom grew to its large size due to the continuous heavy rainfall that has hit central and southern Taiwan since the end of last month. The accumulated rainfall in Kaohsiung over the past week was 2,000 mm.

The Kaohsiung City Government stated that due to the recent series of heavy rains, mushrooms have been growing in parks and on median strips, and warned that some of them are toxic. They urged the public not to pick or consume the mushrooms and recommended reporting or requesting removal if any are found.

A large mushroom growing on the central divider of a road at the intersection of Fengnan Road in Fengshan District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan has become a topic of interest. Instagram

This mushroom is a Chlorophyllum molybdites (green-spored parasol), a common poisonous mushroom in Taiwan. As it grows, the cap gradually changes from white to light ochre, with a diameter exceeding 10 cm and a stem that can reach up to 15 cm. It typically grows in clusters on lawns from summer to autumn, and its mycelium, which acts as the root, spreads underground in all directions, causing the mushrooms to form a ring pattern.

Chlorophyllum molybdites is highly toxic and, if consumed, can cause symptoms of gastroenteritis such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to death. However, if treated early, full recovery is possible with supportive care, and there are no lasting aftereffects.

Meanwhile, local police removed all the mushrooms from the site after the gathering of citizens began to obstruct traffic.