Fungal Taxonomy and Mushroom Hunting From Domain to Species Why study taxonomy?

Domains

Kingdoms

MAJOR TAXONOMIC GROUPINGS: Basidiomycota -- Most charismatic macrofungi; spores produced in basidia; well-developed mycelium with narrow septate mycelium. Ascomycota -- Include other charismatic macrofungi; spores produced in asci; largest group MAJOR TAXONOMIC GROUPINGS: Glomeromycota -- Aka Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi, meaning they enter the roots of the plants; include some truffle- like species; large, multi-nucleate asexual spores Zygomycota -- Include molds; may have asexual or sexual spores; grow on dung Chytridiomycota -- Structured simply with unicells or short-branched hyphae; in aquatic and moist terrestrial habitats Deuteromycota -- Aka fungi imperfecti, include molds; not very well-studied Amanita muscaria This is all changing... Morchella esculenta

From Kingdom to Species Division Subdivision Class Order Family Genus Species Fungi Eumycota Basidiomycotina Hymenomycetes Agaricales Coprinaceae Coprinus atramentarius

Types of Hymenia Gilled Polypores Jelly Toothed Puffballs Truffles

Morels, false Morels and Elfin Saddles Types of Hymenia Club, coral or fan-like Molds Rusts Morels, false Morels and Elfin Saddles Crusts Cup And more...

Vocabulary Anastamose - Gills or hyphae that diverge and re-converge Basal - At or near the base Cespitose - Tufted or clustered Cystidia - Microscopic specialized sterile cells projecting from the gills, tubes or stalk Entire - Gills with smooth edges, not serrated Epigeous - Growing above ground Hymenia - Spore-bearing tissue Hypogeous - Growing below ground Lamellae - Gills Rhizomorph - Interwoven hyphae (often visible) Sclerotia - A balls of hyphae that can stay dormant for long periods Sterile - Infertile Substrate - The food source of the fungi, what it is growing on

Parts of a Mushroom

Descriptions of morphology Get to know the terminology of your field guide. For every mushroom you see, try to find as many ways to describe it as possible.

A Few important Families Agaricus bisporus Suillus luteus Boletaceae: Mycorrhizal, convex to flat cap, has tubes (pores) as hymenia. Stalks have various types of ornamentation. Varying shades of yellow, brown or black spores. Usually squishy and maggoty but yummy. Agaricaceae: Saprophytes with membranous stalk, gills pinkish when young and brown spores. Some stain red, some others stain yellow. Most are edible. Amanita phalloides Amanitaceae: Ectomycorrhizal, cap may carry veil tissue, may either have a partial or universal veil, white gills and white spores. Responsible for roughly 90% of mushroom poisonings.

A Few more important Families Russulaceae: Chalky stem, with a brittle cap that is plane in age. The flesh contains large spherical cells called “sphaerocysts.” Have a hypogeous relative, like many other epigeous fungi. Some are edible, some cause gastrointestinal distress. Polyporaceae: Most are Bracket fungi with pores, but some have gill-like structures, and some have stems. Most have white spores. Saprotrophic. Includes Trametes, Lenzites, and Polyporus. Clavariaceae: Finger-like structure, the upper half of which bears spores. May be saprotrophic, mycorrizal or parasitic. Most are edible but not choice, some cause gastrointestinal distress.

Hunting Mushrooms There are estimated to be 10,000 species of mushrooms in North America, although I would venture to guess that there are far more than that. Of those, about 250 are considered edible, and only about half of those are actually yummy. There are only a handful of species that are so poisonous that they can kill you, but a whole lot that will give you a belly ache. There are also some species that are easier for some people to digest than others. Always start with a small amount.

TIPS ON HUNTING MUSHROOMS Warning: Improper identification can result in sickness, and even death. Get more than one book, find other people to work with, and always double or triple check your work. Supplies in the field: -Basket and/or non-plastic bag -knife. -ID book Things to look for: -substrate -recent weather -abundance -growth habit -date -location -nearby plants Supplies back at home: -Microscope -Hand lens -More mushroom books -Paper and bowl for making spore prints Use all of your senses, move slowly. Increase your awareness of your local ecosystem, re-connect with it and watch yourself become a part of it.

Ethical Hunting When hunting, its important to remember that each mushroom takes a lot of mycelia, sugar/energy and carbon to make, and that that’s how they distribute their spores. Keep in mind that mushrooms are an important food source for many animals. Some people say only take a 1/3, or ½ of a patch. Once you get to know the fungi personally, it’ll be easier to estimate what an appropriate amount looks like.

Questions...?