Michael Davis
Mushrooms are decomposers that break down dead materials to create soil and nutrients for other living things. They reproduce and multiply by releasing spores, which are similar to plant seeds. Creating a mushroom spore print is a fun and educational activity for children and adults alike. It involves collecting mushrooms and placing them spore-side down on a sheet of paper or another surface to allow the spores to fall and create patterns. The colour of the spores can help identify the type of mushroom. The process is simple, but it requires patience and a delicate touch to achieve perfect prints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Identification of mushrooms |
| Mushroom Types | Flat, Portabello, Bolete, Russula crustosa, Russula virescens, Amanitaeae, Cortinariaceae, Entolomataceae, etc. |
| Materials | Mushrooms, knife/scalpel, paper (black, white, matte, watercolor, index), glass, jar, tumbler, foil, microscope |
| Process | Trim mushrooms, place caps gill-side down, cover with glass/jar, leave for 12-24 hours, remove cover, observe print |
| Preservation | Use fixative spray, artist's clear varnish, hair spray, or hair lacquer |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the mushrooms
Firstly, it is important to choose the right mushrooms. While fresh 'supermarket' mushrooms can work perfectly, it is worth noting that some varieties, like button mushrooms, may not drop spores in the same way. Flat and portabello mushrooms have been used successfully. If you are collecting mushrooms from the wild, remember to follow local rules and only pick mushrooms if there are plenty available, as they play an important role in the environment. Place your mushrooms in a basket or paper bag to avoid squashing them.
Once you have your mushrooms, it is time to start preparing them for printing. The first step is to trim the mushrooms by removing the stems. This can be done by snapping off the stems or using a sharp knife or scalpel for a cleaner cut. Removing the stems ensures that the gills of the mushrooms will be in close contact with the paper when the caps are turned over.
After trimming, the mushroom caps should be placed face down on a suitable surface. The type of surface will depend on the colour of the spores. White paper or card is suitable for mushrooms with non-white spores, while black paper or card is better for white-spored mushrooms as it provides better contrast. Clear plastic or glass can also be used for white-spored mushrooms and has the advantage of allowing the spore print to be moved to a darker or lighter surface for improved visibility. If you plan to examine the spores under a microscope, using a microscope slide or cover slip is ideal.
To enhance spore release and prevent the mushrooms from drying out, it is recommended to place a bowl or tumbler over the mushroom caps. Glass containers are often used for this purpose, as they create a humid environment that encourages spore release. This step also prevents disturbances that could disrupt the formation of the spore patterns.
With these steps, you will have successfully prepared your mushrooms for spore printing. The next steps will involve leaving the mushrooms for several hours, removing the covering, and finally, admiring your beautiful and unique mushroom spore prints!
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Choosing the surface
The surface you choose for your mushroom spore print will depend on the colour of the spores you are expecting. Spore prints are usually white to cream, black, or shades of red, purple, or brown. The poisonous false parasol (Chlorophyllum molybdites) has a green spore deposit. White card works best for brown spores, whereas black card is better for white spores. If you are unsure of the colour, white paper is a good option for mushrooms whose spores are not white.
If you intend to examine the spores under a microscope, a microscope slide or cover slip is ideal. You can also use clear, stiff plastic, which facilitates moving the spore print to a darker or lighter surface for improved contrast. If you are planning on displaying your spore print, card stock or coloured paper can be used.
Other options for surfaces include aluminium foil, glass, or index cards. If you are collecting mushrooms in the field, you can place the mushroom cap on a sheet of aluminium foil and enclose it, together with the rest of the mushroom, in the foil. You may have a spore print by the time you return home.
To preserve your spore print, you can spray it with artist's clear varnish, fixative, or hair spray.
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Creating humidity
To create humidity, place a glass bowl, container, or paper cup over the mushroom cap. This will prevent the air from dispersing the spores and allow them to drop from the gills and form patterns without any disturbances. It is important to ensure that the spore-producing surface is flat and facing down, as this is where the spores will be released.
The amount of time needed for the mushrooms to release their spores can vary. Most sources recommend leaving the covered mushrooms for 12-24 hours. However, some sources suggest that 6-12 hours, or even overnight, may be sufficient. The time required depends on the humidity level, the freshness of the mushroom, and the type of mushroom. Some fungi release their spores more quickly, while others may require more time to produce a clear imprint.
If the mushroom is hard, it can be more difficult to obtain a spore print. In this case, it is recommended to wrap the mushroom in wet paper towels or newspapers overnight before placing it on foil, paper, or glass to make the spore print. This additional step can help to increase the humidity and encourage spore release.
After the specified time has passed, carefully remove the covering and observe the spore print. You should see a colourful imprint of the spores on the paper, foil, or glass. The imprint may also show patterns that correspond to the lamellae or pores of the fungus.
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Leaving time to develop
The time it takes to develop a mushroom spore print depends on the age and freshness of the mushroom. Mushroom spores are produced towards the end of a mushroom's life cycle, so it is important to select a mature mushroom. Younger mushrooms may not have enough spores, and some may even have a "veil" covering their gills, protecting them as they develop.
If the mushroom is freshly picked and mature, you may have a complete spore print within 2 hours. However, it is generally recommended to leave the mushroom cap for at least 6 to 12 hours. Some mushroom species can take up to 24 hours to release their spores.
During this time, the mushroom cap should be left undisturbed, with the gills facing down onto a piece of paper, tinfoil, or glass. A bowl or glass container can be placed over the mushroom cap to create humidity, facilitating spore release and allowing them to drop undisturbed onto the surface.
If you are creating a spore print for artistic purposes, you can experiment with different colours of paper to highlight the spore colour. You can also leave the mushroom cap uncovered, allowing the spores to "float" down onto the paper in patterns created by air currents.
Once the desired time has passed, carefully remove the covering and gently lift the mushroom cap to reveal the spore print pattern. If no pattern is visible, the mushroom may be too dry, too old, or may require more time. In this case, you can place the mushroom back onto the surface and leave it for another 12 hours.
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Preserving the spore print
Once you have created your mushroom spore print, you may want to preserve it. Here are some tips to help keep your spore prints in optimal condition:
Fixative or hairspray
To preserve the mushroom spore print, lightly spray it with an artist's fixative or hairspray. This will help protect the spores and prevent smudging. Hold the spray can at least 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) away from the print to ensure an even application and avoid blasting the spores off the paper.
Lamination
If you want to preserve the spore print for the long term, consider laminating it. This will provide a protective layer and ensure the print remains intact.
Storage
Store your spore prints in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture damage. You can place them in a folder or envelope labelled with the mushroom species and the date of the print.
Paper choice
When creating your spore print, it is recommended to use black and white paper. The colour of the spores will stand out on the white paper, and the black paper will showcase spores that are white in colour. If you plan on taking multiple spore prints, you can laminate the black and white paper together and wipe the laminated paper clean after each use.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to trim the mushrooms and remove the stems.
Place the caps of the mushrooms face down on a sheet of paper, card, foil, or glass. The colour of the paper depends on the colour of the spores. White paper is ideal for mushrooms with non-white spores, while black paper works best for brown spores.
Cover the caps with a bowl, tumbler, or jar to create humidity and allow the spores to drop without disturbance.
Leave the mushrooms undisturbed for 12-24 hours. The time may vary depending on the humidity and freshness of the mushroom.
