Michael Davis
Identifying mushrooms is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful examination and expertise. While some mushrooms have distinct appearances, many others do not, and misidentification can have serious, even fatal, consequences. To identify mushrooms, one must consider various features such as the size, colour, and shape of the cap and stem, the presence of pores, gills, or teeth, and the colour of the flesh. Additionally, the growth environment and odour of the mushroom can provide crucial clues. One of the most important identification methods involves examining the spores, which can be done by creating a spore print and observing them under a microscope. While apps like iNaturalist and online resources can provide initial suggestions, they should not be solely relied upon, especially when identifying mushrooms for consumption. Instead, it is recommended to consult field guides, books, and mycology experts for accurate identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cap | Size, colour, shape, texture |
| Stem | Size, colour, shape |
| Underside of the cap | Pores, gills, teeth |
| Veil | Absence or presence |
| Flesh | Colour, change in colour after bruising |
| Spores | Colour, size, shape |
| Smell | Distinctive odour |
| Habitat | Type of tree species, rotting logs, living trees |
| Reaction | Colour change when specific chemicals are applied |
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What You'll Learn
Join a mycology association
Joining a mycology association is a great way to learn about identifying mushrooms and connect with other enthusiasts. Here are some reasons why you should consider joining a mycology association:
Expert Guidance and Hands-on Experience
Mycology associations, such as the North American Mycological Association (NAMA), offer educational activities and resources for members. They provide opportunities for hands-on experience with experts in the field. This practical knowledge is invaluable when it comes to identifying mushrooms accurately.
Safety and Toxicology
Misidentifying mushrooms can have serious, even fatal, consequences if consumed. Mycology associations provide accurate information about mushroom poisoning syndromes and their symptoms, helping members stay safe. They also offer guidance on responsible mushroom collecting and sustainable practices to protect natural habitats.
Networking and Community
Joining a mycology association connects you with a community of like-minded individuals who share your interest in mycology and fungi. This network can include both professionals and amateurs, creating a supportive environment for learning and exploration. NAMA, for example, has over 90 affiliated clubs and societies in North America, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities to make new friends.
Events and Activities
Mycology associations often host a variety of events and activities for members. These can include forays, webinars, book clubs, and discussion groups. For instance, NAMA holds annual and regional forays, providing members with opportunities to explore different locations and discover new fungi. They also offer engaging meetings, webinars, and book club events throughout the year.
Scientific and Educational Resources
Mycology associations are dedicated to promoting scientific and educational activities related to fungi. They provide access to field guides, websites, and other resources to help members identify mushrooms accurately. NAMA, in particular, publishes "The Mycophile Quarterly," a newsletter that keeps members informed about the latest advancements in mycoscience, foraging tips, and toxicological news.
By joining a mycology association, you will not only gain knowledge about mushroom identification but also become part of a community that appreciates and advocates for the sustainable use of fungi in our environment.
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Observe physical characteristics
Observing the physical characteristics of mushrooms is a crucial step in identifying them. While some mushrooms have distinct appearances, many others do not. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to even the tiniest details. Here are some key physical characteristics to look out for:
Size and Shape
Note the overall size of the mushroom, including its diameter and height. Also, observe the shape of the cap and stem. Caps can be convex, bell-shaped, or nearly flat. They may have thin fissures or cracks, and some are sticky or scaly to the touch. The stems can be central, lateral, or almost absent. They may also have a ring or annulus.
Colour
Take note of the colours of the cap, stem, gills, and flesh. Caps and stems can vary in colour, from brown, tan, or reddish-brown to off-white, yellow, or grey. Gills are often white, creamy, or brownish, but some turn dark brown or black as the mushroom matures. The flesh is typically white and firm, but some mushrooms have flesh that changes colour when bruised.
Spore Print
The colour of the spore print is a significant characteristic in mushroom identification. Spore prints can be white, pink, brown, black, or greenish. For example, a white spore print is characteristic of honey fungus, while a brown spore print indicates Agrocybe mushrooms.
Habitat
Observe the habitat where the mushroom is growing. Some mushrooms grow on grass, wood chips, or dung, or in woods. Others may be found on tree stumps, decaying trees, or living trees. Mushrooms can also grow on rotting logs or in soil. Knowing the habitat and the type of trees in the area can help in identification.
Additional Characteristics
Some mushrooms have distinctive features on the underside of their caps, such as pores, ridges, or a spongy surface, instead of gills. Also, note whether the mushroom has a veil or a distinctive odour. Certain chemicals, such as ammonia or potassium hydroxide, can be applied to the mushroom to observe any colour changes.
It is important to remember that accurate mushroom identification requires a comprehensive approach. Combining physical characteristics with information about the mushroom's location, substrate, and season will help lead to a correct identification. Consulting field guides, websites, and expert foragers is also recommended to gather more insights and make an informed conclusion.
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Use field guides and websites
Field guides and websites can be a great resource for identifying mushrooms, but it's important to be thorough and cautious when using them. Here are some tips for effectively using field guides and websites for mushroom identification:
Choose the Right Resources
Select field guides or websites that are specific to your region. Mushroom varieties can differ greatly by geography, so a general guide may not be as helpful. For example, if you're in North America, you might refer to David Arora's "All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms" or the "Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms of North America".
Break Down Characteristics
Before consulting a field guide or website, break down the characteristics of the mushroom you're trying to identify. Note its physical traits, such as cap colour, gills or pores, bruising, stem characteristics, and overall size. Also, take into account the mushroom's habitat, including the type of tree or substrate it was growing on, whether the tree was living or dead, and the surrounding environment.
Use Multiple Sources
Cross-reference your observations with multiple field guides or websites. Avoid simply comparing your mushroom to photos in the guide or on the web, as this can often lead to misidentification. Instead, use the keys in the field guides and pay attention to the tiny details that differentiate similar species. Websites like iNaturalist can be helpful in narrowing down to the genus or family, but it's important to verify with other sources as well.
Verify with Other Foragers
Don't rely on a single source for identification. Consider reaching out to other foragers, either in person or online, to get their input and verify your findings. This can help ensure a more accurate identification and reduce the risk of misidentification.
Stay Safe
When it comes to mushrooms, safety is paramount. Even if you think you've identified a mushroom correctly, never eat it based solely on information from a field guide or website. Always consult with experts or mycological societies before consuming any wild mushrooms. Some edible and poisonous mushroom species closely resemble each other, and the effects of toxins can vary from person to person.
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Make spore prints
Making a spore print is a practical way to identify mushrooms, and it can also be a fun and educational activity for people of all ages. Spore printing can help identify exactly what mushroom you've found. The spores are the reproductive cells of mushrooms, just like seeds are for plants.
Prepare the Mushrooms
Firstly, select a suitable mushroom. If the mushroom is young, it may have a "veil" covering the gills, and it is unlikely that any spores will fall. Carefully remove the mushroom cap from the stem at the highest possible point, ensuring you don't damage the spore-bearing surface on the underside of the cap. You can snap it off or use a sharp knife or scissors. If you plan on using the spore print for cultivation, sterilize the mushroom cap with isopropyl alcohol to minimize any bacteria or other contaminants.
Prepare the Surface
To create a spore print, you'll need a suitable surface for the spores to fall onto. White and black paper are commonly used, with the mushroom positioned so that half of it sits over the white paper and the other half over the black paper. White paper works well for mushrooms with non-white spore prints, while black paper is ideal for capturing white or light-coloured spores. If you plan on taking multiple spore prints, you can laminate the black and white paper together and wipe it clean after each use. Alternatively, you can use tinfoil, glass, or aluminium foil, which is easier to clean and doesn't absorb water.
Prepare the Container
Place the mushroom cap with the spore-bearing surface facing down onto the chosen surface. Ensure the cap is centred and in full contact with the surface to ensure a clear and accurate print. Cover the mushroom with a glass bowl or another suitable container to prevent the spores from being dispersed by air currents. This creates a controlled, humid environment for the spores to fall without interference.
Leave to Develop
Leave the mushroom covered for a few hours or overnight. The duration may vary depending on the freshness of the mushroom and the humidity of the environment. Check periodically to ensure the spore print has fully developed, but do not leave the mushroom for more than 24 hours, as older specimens may start to rot on the paper.
Reveal the Spore Print
After the designated time has elapsed, carefully remove the container and gently lift the mushroom cap to reveal the spore print. Take caution not to smudge or disturb the delicate spores. Observe the patterns and colours that have formed, representing the unique characteristics of the mushroom species.
Once you've created your mushroom spore print, you may want to preserve or store it for future reference. You can also use a fixative spray to keep the spores in place.
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Use apps with caution
While there are several mushroom identification apps available, they should be used with caution. Apps such as Picture Mushroom, Mushroom Identify, and ShroomID offer quick identification of mushrooms by photo, articles about mushrooms, and information on toxicity. However, it is important to note that these apps may not always be accurate. One user on Reddit mentioned that even with a perfect photo, it is difficult to capture every feature of a mushroom specimen, which can lead to misidentification.
Another user on Reddit expressed that none of the apps they tried were reliable for identifying mushrooms. They mentioned that the iNaturalist algorithm is relatively good at narrowing things down to the genus or family level, but it tends to suggest a handful of well-known species for similar-looking mushrooms. This can still provide a starting point for further research and identification.
When using mushroom identification apps, it is crucial to verify the information provided. Cross-referencing with other sources, such as field guides or expert advice, is essential to ensure accuracy. Additionally, some apps may have limitations in terms of the number of species they can recognize, and they may not take into account all the unique features of a mushroom that an experienced forager would consider.
While these apps can be a helpful tool for learning about mushrooms and their identification, they should not be solely relied upon, especially for beginners. It is always advisable to seek expert knowledge and refer to multiple sources to accurately identify mushrooms and ensure your safety. Remember, even with apps, accurate identification of mushrooms is a skill that requires practice and a good understanding of their key characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to identify mushrooms, including:
- Using a field guide, website, or other resources to gather information about potential identifications.
- Referring to books with detailed illustrations and identification charts.
- Using an app such as iNaturalist or Mushroom Identify to get initial identification suggestions.
- Joining a local mycology association to get hands-on experience with experts.
Some key identifying features of mushrooms include:
- The size, colour, and shape of the cap and stem.
- Whether the underside of the cap has pores, gills, or teeth.
- The presence or absence of a veil.
- The colour of the mushroom and its flesh.
- The presence of distinctively coloured spores, which can be seen by making a spore print.
It is important to never rely on a single source when trying to positively identify a mushroom for foraging. Instead, compile information from multiple sources and verify the identification with other foragers in person or online. If you are ever unsure, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume the mushroom.
