Sarah Brown
Mushroom identification is a tricky task, and the consequences of misidentifying a mushroom can be fatal. There are many different types of mushrooms, and some are much easier to identify than others. One of the most important features used to identify mushrooms is the spores. Some fungi have distinct spore colours, which can be seen by making a spore print. Other diagnostic features include the size, colour and shape of the cap and stem, whether the underside of the cap has pores, gills or teeth, and the colour of the mushroom and its flesh. The environment in which the mushroom is found can also be a clue to its identity, as certain types of mushrooms are associated with specific tree species, while others are mainly found in open grassland.
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What You'll Learn
Learn the key features of mushrooms
Learning how to identify mushrooms is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Here are some key features of mushrooms to help you get started:
Environment
Understanding the environment and the types of trees around you is crucial for mushroom identification. Mushrooms often have specific tree species associations, so knowing the habitat can provide valuable clues. For example, Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are commonly found on oak trees. Additionally, some fungi grow on decaying wood, colonize living trees, or form associations with the roots of certain trees.
Physical Characteristics
The size, colour, and shape of the cap and stem are essential for identification. The underside of the cap may have pores, gills, or teeth, and the presence or absence of a veil can be a distinguishing factor. Some mushrooms may also leak a milky substance when cracked, which is typically white or orange. The colour of the mushroom's flesh and whether it changes colour after being bruised are other important characteristics.
Spores
Making a spore print is a useful technique for identifying mushrooms. Choose a mature mushroom and place its cap downwards on a piece of glass. Cover it with a cup to prevent air currents from distributing the spores. The next day, examine the spore print under light or dark paper to determine the spore colour. Spores are then viewed under a microscope to check their size, shape, and colour.
Odour
Some fungi have distinctive odours, which can be helpful in identification.
Chemical Reactions
Applying specific chemicals, such as ammonia, potassium hydroxide, or iron salts, to the surface, flesh, or spores of a mushroom can induce a colour change, aiding in identification.
While these key features provide a foundation for mushroom identification, it is important to approach this task with caution. Misidentification can have serious, even fatal, consequences. Joining a local mycology association or seeking guidance from mushroom experts is highly recommended for hands-on experience and accurate identification.
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Understand the environment and trees around you
Mushrooms are closely linked to their surroundings, so understanding the environment and trees around you is key to identifying mushrooms. Mushrooms can be found in many different environments, including deep in the forest, on streambanks, on trees, and in grasslands or grassy meadows. Some mushrooms grow directly on trees, while others grow on logs, the forest floor, or on moss.
When identifying mushrooms, it is important to consider the type of tree they are growing on or near. Certain species of mushrooms have mycorrhizal associations with particular tree species, so knowing the tree species can help you identify the mushroom. For example, chanterelles tend to grow among hardwoods, conifers, shrubs, and bushes, while jack-o'-lanterns are commonly found in hardwood forests where they feed off decaying wood, so you'll often find them on fallen logs or at the base of dead trees. Morels, which have a distinctive honeycomb-like cap, grow on specific tree types, including ash, tulip, oak, hickory, sycamore, cottonwood, maple, beech, conifers, and apples.
In addition to the type of tree, you should also consider the condition of the soil or ground. Certain species of mushrooms fruit in areas where the ground has been disturbed, such as after a forest fire, near old washes, or around other areas of erosion. For example, the black trumpet, a delicacy, can often be found near a wash or rivulet.
The time of year and temperature can also provide clues about the type of mushroom. Some mushrooms fruit mainly in the fall, while others fruit in the spring. For example, morels typically fruit in the early spring before the trees leaf out, making them harder to spot.
Finally, it is important to note that not all mushrooms that grow on trees are safe to eat. While some mushrooms, such as the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, and the Hedgehog Fungus, are safe to consume, others, such as the Destroying Angel and the Death Cap, are highly poisonous. Always consult a local guidebook or expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
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Observe the colour, size, and shape of the cap and stem
When it comes to identifying mushrooms, observing the colour, size, and shape of the cap and stem is crucial. The cap and stem, also known as the pileus and stipe, respectively, are distinctive features of a mushroom's structure.
Let's start with the cap, which is the edible portion of the mushroom. Caps come in a variety of colours, ranging from golden yellow to grey or black, light to dark brown, reddish-brown, and even white. Some caps are funnel-shaped, while others are conical, bell-shaped, or oyster-shaped. The caps of certain mushrooms are thin and fragile, while others are dry and covered in scales or fibres. Additionally, some mushrooms have sticky caps that attract spores.
Now, let's discuss the stem, also known as the stalk. Stems can be slender or stout, and they may be curved or lateral. Some stems have a ring or annulus, while others lack this feature. The colour of the stem can vary, with some mushrooms exhibiting brown-white stems.
When examining the cap and stem, it is important to pay attention to the gills, pores, or teeth underneath the cap. These structures are involved in spore production and dispersal. The gills can be white, creamy, grey, or brown, and they may be attached to the stem or slightly free. In some mushrooms, the gills turn dark as the spores mature.
Observing the colour, size, and shape of the cap and stem is a crucial first step in mushroom identification. However, it is important to remember that there are other factors to consider as well, such as habitat, smell, taste, and the presence of a veil.
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Check for pores, gills, or teeth under the cap
When identifying mushrooms, it is important to check for pores, gills, or teeth under the cap. These structures are responsible for producing and releasing spores, which are the microscopic reproductive cells that allow fungi to replicate. While not all mushrooms reproduce through these structures, they are important distinguishing features for many species.
Gills, also known as lamellae, are thin, papery structures that hang vertically under the cap. They are composed of two layers: the lamellae, which reach from the stem to the edge, and the lamellulae, which are shorter gills that do not reach the stem. The spacing between the gills varies from species to species and can be described as crowded, close, subclose, or distant. Mycologists have developed precise terminology to describe gill structure, and examining the gills is an important step in mushroom identification.
Pores, on the other hand, are found in boletes and polypores, two common types of mushrooms. Boletes, such as the bolete mushroom, grow in forests by forming symbiotic relationships with trees. Polypores, like the turkey tail mushroom, are usually found on decaying wood and are known for their smooth pore surfaces. The size, color, pattern, and quantity of pores can help determine the identity of a mushroom.
Teeth, also called spines, are long, thin growths that hang downward and produce spores. Tooth fungi, such as the lion's mane mushroom, have a unique appearance with shaggy hair-like structures instead of a spherical dome cap. While there are fewer mushrooms with teeth than those with gills or pores, this group contains some interesting and edible species.
In addition to these structures, some mushrooms have ridges or folds under their caps, which can be mistaken for gills. Therefore, it is important to carefully examine the underside of a mushroom to distinguish between these features and accurately identify the species.
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Identify the spores
Identifying mushroom spores is a crucial step in mushroom identification. While it is not always necessary to examine spores to identify a mushroom, it can be helpful in distinguishing between similar species. Mushroom spores are the microscopic reproductive structures of mushrooms, similar to seeds in plants. They are released into the air as tiny dust-like particles and travel through air currents until they land on a suitable surface to grow into new mushrooms.
To identify mushroom spores, one common method is to create a spore print. This involves placing the mushroom cap, with the ribs facing downward, onto a sheet of paper, preferably light-coloured or a combination of dark and white to facilitate colour identification. A glass jar is then placed over the mushroom cap to contain it, and it is left for at least 24 hours. During this time, the spores will fall from the mushroom cap onto the paper, creating a spore print. The colour of the spores can then be observed, which is an important characteristic in mushroom identification. However, it is important to note that the colour of the spore print can vary depending on the thickness of the deposit, and some mushrooms may not produce a spore print due to their age or elevation.
Another method for identifying spores is through the use of a microscope. While not everyone owns a microscope, it can be helpful to have access to one when identifying mushrooms. By examining the spores under a microscope, you can observe their unique shapes and sizes, which can aid in identification. Additionally, mycologists often use glass slides to examine spores quickly under a microscope.
It is important to note that mushroom spores are generally safe and are not harmful drugs or fungi. They can even be ingested without causing harm. However, care should be taken not to breathe them in accidentally, as they are microscopic and can be easily inhaled. Additionally, when handling mushrooms, it is important to avoid touching the spores or the undersides of the caps as much as possible to prevent disturbing the spores.
In summary, identifying mushroom spores involves creating spore prints and examining their colour, as well as observing their unique characteristics under a microscope. These techniques play a crucial role in accurately identifying mushroom species.
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Frequently asked questions
Recognizing mushrooms is notoriously difficult and can have fatal consequences if done incorrectly. It is recommended to get hands-on experience with experts from a local mycology association. Some key features used to identify mushrooms include the size, color, and shape of the cap and stem, the presence of gills, pores, or teeth on the underside of the cap, and the color of the mushroom and its flesh.
You can make a spore print to observe the color, size, and shape of the spores under a microscope. Additionally, some mushrooms produce a color change when specific chemicals, such as ammonia or potassium hydroxide, are applied to their surface.
Understanding the environment and the types of trees around you is crucial. Most mushrooms are associated with specific tree species or grassland environments. For example, death cap mushrooms are often found near oak trees and can be deadly if ingested.
Yes, there are several online resources available. The Mushroom Expert and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's Fungi websites provide color photos of fungi for identification. Additionally, the North American Mycological Association website offers detailed descriptions of mushroom poisoning syndromes and their symptoms.
Australian mushroom expert Alison Pouliot's book, "The Allure of Fungi," provides insights into mushroom culture and can be found on her website, alisonpouliot.com.
