Michael Davis
Mushrooms with dark gills come in many shapes and sizes, and can be difficult to identify. Some mushrooms have gills that are initially pink but turn dark brown as the mushroom matures, while others have gills that quickly turn into a black liquid. Dark-gilled mushrooms can be identified by their spore print colour, which can range from cinnamon brown to rusty brown. Some dark-gilled mushrooms are edible, while others are poisonous, so it is important to be able to identify them accurately before consuming them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cap | Conical to bell-shaped, may be smooth, striated, or scaly |
| Cap Colour | Light to dark brown, reddish-brown, yellow-brown, tan, grey with blackish scales, white |
| Stem | Slender, may be curved |
| Gills | Attached to the stem, initially pink, turn dark brown as the mushroom matures, white, reddish-brown |
| Flesh | White and firm |
| Spore Print | Brown, cinnamon brown, rusty brown, white |
| Smell | Mealy, fruity, peppery, spicy |
| Habitat | Grass, wood chips, dung, garden mulch, woods, tree stumps, dead or decaying trees |
| Edibility | Some dark-gilled mushrooms are edible, while others are poisonous |
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What You'll Learn
Dark-gilled mushrooms can be poisonous or edible
Dark-gilled mushrooms can be either poisonous or edible, depending on the type of mushroom. It is important to accurately identify the individual mushroom before consumption, as some poisonous mushrooms can be deadly.
Mushrooms in the Stropharia genus, for example, are characterised by their colourful, sticky caps and gills that turn dark as they mature due to spore production. On the other hand, mushrooms in the Galerina genus typically have brown caps that can range from light to dark brown, and their gills are attached to the stem. These mushrooms are often found growing on tree stumps. While the edibility of these specific mushrooms is not mentioned, their brown gills indicate that they fall into the category of "dark-gilled mushrooms".
The Tricholoma atrosquamosum mushroom, which is generally darker than other grey-capped tricholomas, is another example of a dark-gilled mushroom. This mushroom has grey stalks with tiny blackish scales and pale grey-brown gills. It is considered rare in Europe and endangered in the Netherlands. Both subspecies of Tricholoma atrosquamosum are edible and highly regarded by some. However, they can be confused with darker specimens of the poisonous T. pardinum, which is generally a larger mushroom that lacks a peppery aroma.
To avoid accidentally consuming poisonous mushrooms, it is recommended to follow certain guidelines. For instance, novices should avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. Additionally, mushrooms with red on the cap or stem should be treated as poisonous. While these guidelines may help rule out some dangerous mushrooms, it is crucial to accurately identify the specific type of mushroom before consumption.
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They can be identified by their cap and stem
Mushrooms with dark gills can be identified by their cap and stem. The cap and stem of a mushroom are important identifiers when it comes to distinguishing between different types of mushrooms. For instance, the Stropharia genus is characterised by its often colourful and sticky caps, and gills that turn dark as the mushroom matures due to spore production. Mushrooms in the Tapinella genus are known for their reddish-brown to dark brown velvety caps and preference for growing on dead or decaying trees.
Another identifier is the presence of a partial veil, a cobweb-like covering that protects the gills of young mushrooms. Agrocybe mushrooms, which are typically small to medium-sized with brown spore prints and dry caps, have gills that quickly turn to a black liquid. These mushrooms grow on grass, wood chips, dung, garden mulch, or in woods.
The colour of the gills is also a distinguishing factor. Mushrooms in the Galerina genus have gills that are attached to the stem, with caps ranging from light to dark brown. The Tricholoma atrosquamosum mushroom, found in North America and Europe, has grey-brown gills and a stout grey stipe with tiny blackish scales.
Additionally, the shape of the cap can vary. For example, the Hypholoma genus features reddish-brown caps that are often crowded with gills, while the Kuehneromyces genus is known for its convex to bell-shaped caps.
It is important to note that accurately identifying mushrooms is crucial, especially when it comes to distinguishing between edible and poisonous varieties. While some general rules can help avoid poisonous mushrooms, such as avoiding those with white gills or red on the cap or stem, positive identification is essential before consumption.
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Dark gills are a result of spore production
Mushrooms with dark gills, or dark-spored gilled mushrooms, are characterised by their gills that turn dark as they mature due to spore production. Mushrooms in the Stropharia genus, for example, often exhibit colourful, sticky caps, and their gills darken as the mushroom matures.
The colour of the spore print is an important characteristic when identifying mushrooms. To create a spore print, place the mushroom's cap onto a piece of paper, where it will release its spores, leaving a print. The colour of this print can help identify the mushroom. Dark-gilled mushrooms will have brown spore prints.
Mushrooms in the Agrocybe genus, for example, typically have brown spore prints. Their caps can be convex, bell-shaped, or nearly flat, and their gills quickly turn to a black liquid. These mushrooms grow on grass, wood chips, dung, garden mulch, or in woods.
The Galerina genus is another example of dark-gilled mushrooms. These mushrooms have light to dark brown caps and slender stalks. Their gills are attached to the stem. These mushrooms are often found on tree stumps as they obtain nutrients from decomposing organic matter.
Identifying mushrooms can be challenging and requires careful examination of various characteristics, such as the colour and shape of the cap, the presence of a ring or skirt on the stem, and the colour of the gills and spore print. It is essential to accurately identify mushrooms before consumption, as some species can be poisonous.
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Dark gills can turn to black liquid
Mushrooms with dark gills typically belong to the Stropharia genus, characterised by their colourful, sticky caps and gills that darken as they mature due to spore production. Some mushrooms in this genus have a distinctive ring on their stems.
Dark-gilled mushrooms can also belong to the Tapinella genus, which is characterised by reddish-brown to dark brown velvety caps and a preference for growing on decaying trees.
Another type of mushroom with dark gills is the Tricholoma atrosquamosum, which is generally darker than other grey-capped tricholomas. This mushroom has a stout stipe with a height of 2.5-8 cm and a width of 0.7-2 cm. The gills are pale grey-brown and can be either attached or unattached to the stipe.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms with dark gills are safe to consume. It is recommended to accurately identify a mushroom before consumption, as some poisonous mushrooms can be deadly.
One notable characteristic of certain dark-gilled mushrooms is that their gills can turn into a black liquid. This is commonly observed in the Inc Caps genus, which includes mushrooms with brown spore prints and dry caps that can be convex, bell-shaped, or nearly flat. These mushrooms often grow on grass, wood chips, dung, garden mulch, or in woods.
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Dark-gilled mushrooms have a distinct cobweb-like veil
Mushrooms with dark gills can belong to several different genera. One such genus is Agrocybe, which typically features small to medium-sized mushrooms with brown spore prints and dry caps. The caps of Agrocybe mushrooms can be convex, bell-shaped, or nearly flat, and their colours range from yellow-brown to tan. They often grow on grass, wood chips, dung, garden mulch, or in woods.
Another genus that includes dark-gilled mushrooms is Stropharia, which are medium to large saprophytic fungi characterised by their often colourful, sticky caps. The gills of Stropharia mushrooms turn dark as they mature due to spore production. Many species in this genus also have a distinctive annulus (ring) on their stems.
Dark-gilled mushrooms can also be found in the Galerina genus, which typically have conical to bell-shaped caps, slender stalks, and gills that are attached to the stem. The caps of these mushrooms can range from light to dark brown and may be smooth, striated, or scaly. They obtain nutrients from decomposing organic matter, so they often grow on tree stumps.
It is important to note that identifying mushrooms can be challenging, and there is a significant chance, especially for beginners, to misidentify a mushroom. Taste-testing mushrooms to determine their edibility is not recommended as some mushrooms are poisonous and can lead to serious health risks or even death. Instead, it is crucial to accurately identify the individual mushroom and be 100% sure of its edibility before consumption. Some general rules to avoid poisonous mushrooms include steering clear of those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. Additionally, mushrooms with red on the cap or stem are best avoided to be cautious.
Among the various types of dark-gilled mushrooms, those in the Agrocybe genus possess a distinct cobweb-like partial veil, known as a cortina, that covers their gills when they are young. While this veil often disappears as the mushroom matures, it is a notable feature of young Agrocybe mushrooms. This veil is described as resembling a cobweb, giving it a unique and intriguing appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
Dark-gilled mushrooms are characterised by their gills, which are located on the underside of the cap. These gills are initially pink and then turn dark brown as the mushroom matures. Some mushrooms with dark gills include those from the Stropharia, Tapinella, Tricholoma, Agrocybe, Galerina, Hypholoma, and Kuehneromyces genera.
To identify a mushroom with dark gills, it is recommended to make a spore print of the mushroom by creating a print of the spores on paper. The colour of the spore print can help identify the mushroom genus. Other characteristics to note include the shape and colour of the cap, the presence or absence of a veil or ring on the stem, and the colour and texture of the stem.
It is not possible to determine if a mushroom is poisonous or edible solely based on its appearance or gill colour. Taste-testing mushrooms can be dangerous and lead to serious health risks, including death. It is important to accurately identify the mushroom and be 100% sure of its edibility before consumption. Some general rules to avoid poisonous mushrooms include steering clear of those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, a bulbous or sack-like base (volva), or any red colouring on the cap or stem.
Some poisonous mushrooms with dark gills include the Amanita family, which often have white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous base (volva). Another example is the T. pardinum, which is larger and lacks the peppery aroma of its edible counterparts.
While it is important to accurately identify any mushroom before consumption, some edible mushrooms with dark gills include the Tricholoma atrosquamosum subspecies, which have a peppery or spicy aroma.
Please note that this response provides general information and is not a substitute for expert advice. Mushroom identification and consumption should be approached with caution to avoid potential health risks.
