From dictionary definitions, one can only infer that mushrooms are gilled fungi (no mention of edibility), while toadstools are fungi believed to be inedible or toxic.
Ancient folk tales used the term âtoadstoolâ to define poisonous, large-capped mushrooms on which toads were believed to habitually rest on. Since then, the difference between mushrooms and toadstools has become somewhat blurred.
Even Wikipedia clubs them together and defines mushroom synonymously with toadstool by placing it adjacent to the former in brackets, as in mushrooms (or toadstools) are fleshy, spore-bearing, fruiting fungi. Mushrooms are known as the meat of the vegetable world. They are used in the preparation of pizzas, casseroles, soups, noodles, rice and dozens of other common meals. Who wouldâve thought that a fungus would taste so delicious!
How do we classify them?
Poisonous mushrooms were associated with toads because toads were known to be carriers of toxins and diseases. This is the reason why fungi are one of the least understood species on the planet. The repugnance is largely cultural, because, for centuries, fungi were believed to be the work of witches and evil spirits, for they had been proliferators of several infections and deaths.
A forager, in any case, however hungry, must not rely on old-wivesâ tales â horribly played games of telephone â to pluck mushrooms for dinner. Caution is imperative, but classifying mushrooms is a difficult task. The term âmushroomâ is loosely used and does not provide a full account of every species of mushroom there is â some have pores underneath, while some have spines, and several of them are not gilled. The term resembles a class of macroscopic fungal fruiting bodies, rather than a class structured on precise taxonomic knowledge.
References
- North American Mycological Association
- Nature.com
- GallowayWildFoods
- Wikipedia
As per normal please keep an eye out for snakes.  There is off road parking close by, (even an overgrassed driveway).. Please make sure your vehicle is well off the dirt road, as some people drive fast over the blind rise, which is about a 100 meters away..  There is space for SWAGS.  And don't eat any mushrooms or toadstools along the way....
FTF Honours goes to Mr Windy :-)đ