European toadstools - Germany / German Democratic Republic 1974 - 25 Pfennig

European toadstools The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of the German Democratic Republic issues eight multi-colored special postage stamps with pictures of European toadstools. European toadstools As early as 1954, the Ministry of Health of the GDR recommended and organized targeted educational work in the field of mycology in view of the then high number of annually occurring fungal poisoning and the incipient development of camping. The districts of the GDR each employ a fungal expert at their hygiene institutes. From there, the district and local representatives for mushroom education, who are volunteers at the district hygiene inspections, trained as employees. The mission of the Mushroom Enlightenment Commissioner is to protect the population from poisoning during fixed consultation times, exhibitions, hikes, lectures and market inspections, and to provide prompt and prudent investigative work in the event of poisoning. So far, this educational work has been very successful. 25-pfennig-value: Spring-colored Sycamore (Gyromitra esculenta) It can be found in the spring on clear-cuts in pine forests. It is usually mistakenly called "morel" and eaten as such, despite warnings and sales ban. By no means does every meal lead to illness. However, every year severe poisoning occurs, which leads to profuse vomiting 2-8-12 hours after ingestion and often leads to diarrhea. The toxins are harmful to the circulation and the liver. Deaths occur every year.