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Identification of MYT1 and its distribution in fungi.
(A) Mycelial growth and perithecium formation of the Z39P105 mutant on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and carrot agar, respectively. Pictures were taken 3 d after inoculation and 7 d after sexual induction from PDA and carrot agar. Arrows indicate protoperithecia. (B) Molecular characterization of the vector insertion event in the Z39P105 genome. (C) Distribution of MYT1 in representative fungal species. The distribution image was constructed by using the BLASTMatrix tool that is available on the Comparative Fungal Genomics Platform (cfgp.riceblast.snu.ac.kr/) [62]. (D) Phylogenetic tree of MYT1 homologs in several fungal species. The alignment was performed with ClustalW, and the MEGA program Version 4.0 was used to perform a 1,000 bootstrap phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor joining method. amp, ampicillin resistance gene; hph, hygromycin B resistance gene. Pi, Phytophthora infestans; Pr, P. ramorum; Ps, P. sojae; Af, Aspergillus fumigatus; An, A. nidulans; Ao, A. oryzae; Bc, Botrytis cinerea; Fo, Fusarium oxysporum; Fv, F. verticillioides; Hc, Histoplasma capsulatum; Mo, Magnaporthe oryzae; Nc, Neurospora crassa; Pa, Podospora anserine; Ca, Candida albicans; Kl, Kluyveromyces lactis; Sc, Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Cc, Coprinus cinereus; Cn, Cryptococcus neoformans; Pc, Phanerochaete chrysosporium; nd, not detected.
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Armillaria solidipes (formerly Armillaria ostoyae), the honey mushroom, is the most common variant in the western U.S. of the group of species that all used to share the name Armillaria mellea. Armillaria solidipes is quite common on both hardwood and conifer wood in forests west of the Cascade crest. The mycelium attacks the sapwood and is able to travel great distances under the bark or between trees in the form of black rhizomorphs ("shoestrings").
In most areas of North America, Armillaria solidipes can be separated from other species by its physical features. Its brown colors, fairly prominent scales featured on its cap, and the well-developed ring on its stem sets it apart from any Armillaria.
It is known to be one of the largest living organisms, where scientists have estimated a single specimen found in Malheur National Forest in Oregon to have been growing for some 2,400 years, covering 3.4 square miles (8.4 km^2) and colloquially named the "Humongous Fungus." Armillaria solidipes grows and spreads primarily underground and the bulk of the organism lies in the ground, out of sight. Therefore, the organism is not visible to anyone viewing from the surface. It is only in the autumn when this organism will bloom “honey mushrooms”, visible evidence of the organism lying beneath. Low competition for land and nutrients have allowed this organism to grow so huge; it possibly covers more geographical area than any other living organism.
This fungus, like most parasitic fungi, reproduces sexually. The fungi begin their life as spores, released into the environment by a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes has a white spore print. There are two types of mating types for spores (not male and female but similar in effect). The spores can be dispersed by environment factors such as wind or they can be redeposited by an animal. Once the spores are in a resting state, the single spore must come in contact with a spore of an opposite mating type and of the same species. If the single spore isolates are from different species, the colonies will not fuse together and they will remain separate. When two isolates of the same species but different mating types fuse together, they soon form coalesced colonies which become dark brown and flat. With this particular fungus it will produce mycelial cords also known as rhizomorphs. These rhizomorphs allow the fungus to obtain nutrients from long distances away. These are also the main factors to its pathogenicity. As the fruiting body continues to grow and obtaining nutrients, it forms into a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes in particular grows a wide and thin sheet-like plates radiating from the stem which is known as its gills. The gills hold the spores of a mature mushroom. This is stained white when seen as a spore print. Once spore formation is complete, this signifies a mature mushroom and now is able to spread its spores to start a new generation.
The disease is of particular interest to forest managers, as the species is highly pathogenic to a number of commercial softwoods, notably Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true firs (Abies spp.) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). A commonly prescribed treatment is the clear cutting of an infected stand followed by planting with more resistant species such as Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) or deciduous seedlings. Armillaria can remain viable in stumps for 50 years.
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Armillaria ostoyae, Sombere honingzwam.
Middelbruine tot geelbruine, vleeskleurige hoed en iets lichtere steel. Hoed met donkerder, afwisbare schubjes. De steel heeft een forse ring, met beneden de ring ook schubjes op de steel. De rand van de hoed is in vochtige toestand doorschijnend gestreept. Groeit meestal in bundels. Kleur van de sporen: wit tot crème. Hoogte: 6-15 cm, breedte: 3-10 cm.
Kan van september tot november gevonden worden op de stam, de basis en de wortels van bomen en op stronken van bomen. Meestal op min of meer zure zandgronden, komt algemeen voor.
Honingzwammen verspreiden zich niet alleen via hun sporen, maar ook via lange zwarte draden, rhizomorfen. Deze op veters lijkende zwarte draden kunnen onder de bast van aangetaste bomen gevonden worden. Voor de honingzwammen in het algemeen geldt, dat het parasieten zijn, die een sterke vorm van witrot veroorzaken, die uiteindelijk leidt tot het afsterven van de gastheer.
In april 2003 werd in het Malheur National Forest in de Amerikaanse staat Oregon een sombere honingzwam ontdekt van naar schatting 2400 jaar oud met een ondergrondse mycelium omvang van 8,9 km². Daarmee is deze schimmel het grootste organisme ter wereld. Ook in Zwitserland in het Nationaal Park in de streek Engadin komt deze schimmel met een grote omvang voor. Hier is de schimmel ongeveer duizend jaar oud en ongeveer 800 meter lang en 500 meter breed.
Geastrum quadrifidum (Pers.) Pers., syn.: Geastrum coronatum Scopoli
Rayed Earthstar, DE: Kleiner Nest-Erdstern, Kronen Erdstern
Slo.: četverokraka zvezdica
Dat.: Sept. 09. 2014
Lat.: 46.36529 Long.: 13.74988
Code: Bot_835/2014_DSC3951
Habitat: mixed wood, Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica dominant, moderately steep, southeast oriented mountain slope, calcareous skeletal ground covered by leaf and needles litter without ground vegetation, under Picea abies, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 5-7 deg C, elevation 950 m (3.100 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: on moss covering a small Picea abies stump in the last disintegration stage, decomposed to almost soil.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, near the trail from Trenta village to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih mountain cottage, halfway between the village and Planina Lepoč, East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC
Comments: Genus Geastrum contains very attractive fungi, which almost all are rather uncommon, if not rare. Globose or onion shaped fruit bodies of many start to develop underground. The 'shell' of their fruit bodies consists of four distinct layers (with some exceptions). The outer three form so called exoperidium and the inner one is endoperidium, a 'sack', which contains spores. Exoperidium's outer layer consists of mycelium, the middle layer consists of fibers and the inner one is so called pseudoparenchymal layer. During growth the last one swells and breaks the exoperidium into star like shaped lappets, which curl backward and in this way push the fruit body out of the ground. In some species, like with Geastrum quadrifidum, the outer mycelial layer does not split together with other two layers of the exoperidium but falls off and forms a kind of 'bird's nest' in ground on top of which the fruit body sits. This white mycelial 'nest' can be seen on Fig. 3. The fruit body, when mature, cuts itself almost completely off the mycelium and stands free, like on legs made of exoperidium flaps. Only the far ends of the laps stay in connection with the 'nest'. In this way endoperidium with its 'chimney' (peristom) on top, through which clouds of spores rise like a 'smoke', is positioned as high as possible to facilitate spore spreading by the wind.
Geastrum quadrifidum is among the smallest species of about 50 of them worldwide (and ten of them described in Slovenian checklist (Ref.7)). It is a rare find. As its species name suggests it usually has four exoperidium 'legs'. However, sometimes, as in my find, it has five of them.
Growing solitary; exoperidium diameter 20 mm, endoperidium diameter 8 mm, its height (without the peristom 'beak') 7 mm; SP and spores on mass dark brown; smell none; taste not tested (too small).
Spores coarsely warty. Dimensions excluding warts: 4.4 [5 ; 5.2] 5.7 x 4.1 [4.5 ; 4.7] 5.2 microns; Q = 1 [1.1] 1.2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 5.1 x 4.6 microns; Qe = 1.1; number of warts per circumference: AVG = 12.1, SD = 1.2, N = 30. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 2., Ulmer (2000), p 116.
(2) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 440.
(3) W. Rothmaler, Exkursionsflora von Deutschland, Vol.1, Niedere Pflanzen, Elsevier, 3.Auflage, (1994), p 519.
(4) M. Bon, Parey's Buch der Pilze, Kosmos (2005), p 302.
(5) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.2. Verlag Mykologia(1986), p 382.
(6) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 334.
(7) A. Poler, ed., Seznam gliv Slovenije (in Slovene), 2nd Ed., Assoc. of Mycol. Soc. of Slovenia (1998), p 29.
Mycilium, OOAK Inamorata doll with Shani head sculpt in Ice resin. Mycilium is being displayed in the Hitogata Ten art doll exhibition in Tokyo.
She is a nude OOAK with a white mulberry silk wig with branching out braids and amazing 3D printed wings by @lbxcouture (Thank you for the wings LBX!).
I was playing with the idea that fairies were related to mushrooms and that she is symbiotically reaching out and connecting to the environment around her using mycelial networks .
There is a waiting list for the exhibition dolls. Email me with "waiting list" as topic to get a chance to buy her if she doesn't sell at the exhibition.
view this photo large on black
see more interesting photo's from me here:
flickeflu.com/photos/77411963@N07/interesting
Armillaria solidipes (formerly Armillaria ostoyae), the honey mushroom, is the most common variant in the western U.S. of the group of species that all used to share the name Armillaria mellea. Armillaria solidipes is quite common on both hardwood and conifer wood in forests west of the Cascade crest. The mycelium attacks the sapwood and is able to travel great distances under the bark or between trees in the form of black rhizomorphs ("shoestrings").
In most areas of North America, Armillaria solidipes can be separated from other species by its physical features. Its brown colors, fairly prominent scales featured on its cap, and the well-developed ring on its stem sets it apart from any Armillaria.
It is known to be one of the largest living organisms, where scientists have estimated a single specimen found in Malheur National Forest in Oregon to have been growing for some 2,400 years, covering 3.4 square miles (8.4 km^2) and colloquially named the "Humongous Fungus." Armillaria solidipes grows and spreads primarily underground and the bulk of the organism lies in the ground, out of sight. Therefore, the organism is not visible to anyone viewing from the surface. It is only in the autumn when this organism will bloom “honey mushrooms”, visible evidence of the organism lying beneath. Low competition for land and nutrients have allowed this organism to grow so huge; it possibly covers more geographical area than any other living organism.
This fungus, like most parasitic fungi, reproduces sexually. The fungi begin their life as spores, released into the environment by a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes has a white spore print. There are two types of mating types for spores (not male and female but similar in effect). The spores can be dispersed by environment factors such as wind or they can be redeposited by an animal. Once the spores are in a resting state, the single spore must come in contact with a spore of an opposite mating type and of the same species. If the single spore isolates are from different species, the colonies will not fuse together and they will remain separate. When two isolates of the same species but different mating types fuse together, they soon form coalesced colonies which become dark brown and flat. With this particular fungus it will produce mycelial cords also known as rhizomorphs. These rhizomorphs allow the fungus to obtain nutrients from long distances away. These are also the main factors to its pathogenicity. As the fruiting body continues to grow and obtaining nutrients, it forms into a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes in particular grows a wide and thin sheet-like plates radiating from the stem which is known as its gills. The gills hold the spores of a mature mushroom. This is stained white when seen as a spore print. Once spore formation is complete, this signifies a mature mushroom and now is able to spread its spores to start a new generation.
The disease is of particular interest to forest managers, as the species is highly pathogenic to a number of commercial softwoods, notably Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true firs (Abies spp.) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). A commonly prescribed treatment is the clear cutting of an infected stand followed by planting with more resistant species such as Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) or deciduous seedlings. Armillaria can remain viable in stumps for 50 years.
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Armillaria ostoyae, Sombere honingzwam.
Middelbruine tot geelbruine, vleeskleurige hoed en iets lichtere steel. Hoed met donkerder, afwisbare schubjes. De steel heeft een forse ring, met beneden de ring ook schubjes op de steel. De rand van de hoed is in vochtige toestand doorschijnend gestreept. Groeit meestal in bundels. Kleur van de sporen: wit tot crème. Hoogte: 6-15 cm, breedte: 3-10 cm.
Kan van september tot november gevonden worden op de stam, de basis en de wortels van bomen en op stronken van bomen. Meestal op min of meer zure zandgronden, komt algemeen voor.
Honingzwammen verspreiden zich niet alleen via hun sporen, maar ook via lange zwarte draden, rhizomorfen. Deze op veters lijkende zwarte draden kunnen onder de bast van aangetaste bomen gevonden worden. Voor de honingzwammen in het algemeen geldt, dat het parasieten zijn, die een sterke vorm van witrot veroorzaken, die uiteindelijk leidt tot het afsterven van de gastheer.
In april 2003 werd in het Malheur National Forest in de Amerikaanse staat Oregon een sombere honingzwam ontdekt van naar schatting 2400 jaar oud met een ondergrondse mycelium omvang van 8,9 km². Daarmee is deze schimmel het grootste organisme ter wereld. Ook in Zwitserland in het Nationaal Park in de streek Engadin komt deze schimmel met een grote omvang voor. Hier is de schimmel ongeveer duizend jaar oud en ongeveer 800 meter lang en 500 meter breed.
These minute mushrooms were growing on a single oak leaf with no obvious mycelial connection to the underlying soil. From picture-keying they most resemble Marasmius capillaris, though these differ in having decurrent gills (the gills extend down the stem). Cap diameter ca. 2-3 mm. Occonneechee State Natural Area, Orange County, NC.
Seen in Kinglake, Victoria.
Tremella fuciformis is a species of fungus; it produces white, frond-like, gelatinous basidiocarps (fruiting bodies). It is widespread, especially in the tropics, where it can be found on the dead branches of broadleaf trees. This fungus is commercially cultivated and is one of the most popular fungi in the cuisine and medicine of China. Tremella fuciformis is commonly known as snow fungus, silver ear fungus, and white jelly mushroom.
Tremella fuciformis is a parasitic yeast, and grows as a slimy, mucous-like film until it encounters its preferred hosts, various species of Annulohypoxylon (or possibly Hypoxylon) fungi, whereupon it then invades, triggering the aggressive mycelial growth required to form the fruiting bodies.
(Wikipedia)
Fungal growth (or actually, division) is a process remarkably similar to our descriptions of universal expansion. Like our seeds, yeasts and fungi form spores, 'dead' units with the potential for life and expansion, given the right conditions like food, water, and sufficiently high temperature. In such circumstances, spores grow to form a single cell which will be the nucleus for growth, a core of sorts. Cells grow in volume and bifurcate. In the case of bakers' yeast a 'mother' cell forms a small bud, which expands to approximately the size of the 'mother', and separates from the mother to form a 'daughter' cell, which can then produce offspring. The place were the separation took place generates a 'bud scar' on the mother cell, and a mother cell can only produce so many offspring before she becomes too 'scarred' to form more progeny.
In fungi (like the penicillin producing species), daughter cells - through their genetically determined separation anxiety - stay attached to the mother cell, and the connection is called the septum. First, a body forms around the 'core' cell, and then the whole cell body extends its reach through growing mycelium: the 'mother' puts out its 'feelers'. Long threads are being formed by elongated cells, each one connected to the next through their septum. The septa are permeable for foodstuffs, and thus form a pipeline from the environment, feeding the collective.
Separate the thread from the collective, and some cells will die, but others are capable of growing a new collective. Extreme examples can be found in the basidiomycetes (in common language: mushrooms), which can form larger fruit bodies containing spores (the mushrooms) and underneath the earth form large networks of mycelium. This is the reason for what we call in Dutch 'Witches Circles' (heksenkringen), where a central fungal body forms mycelial outgrowth in all directions, in their turn forming fruit bodies in regular circles around the 'core'.
A common metaphor in postmodernistic, semi-anarchistic, and internet oriented culture (among others, by Gilles deLeuze) is that of the rhizome, a plant forming an ever-branching underground network of roots, characterised by rootstocks, which could be translated as nodes in the network, local focal points. As much as I like the metaphor, I think it is too much based on the 'old fashioned' scientific metaphor of describing the whole by analysing the components which comprise it. I much prefer the fungal structure, allowing for many forms in between the Basidiomycete and Saccharomyces cerevisae (Bakers' yeast) extremes: one being extremely collective (but surviving separation to some extent), the other being as individual as it gets, and intermediate species finding compromises between the two.
Moreover, there's the interesting notion that spore formation is induced by scarce conditions (the 'starving artist' comes to mind). In the lab, we can fool the cell into sporulation by adding certain chemicals that switch on the genetic pathways responsible for this process. In other words, it is possible to force the formation of spores. One can create scarcity in any situation of abundance. Humans call this 'marketing', or even 'mythology', or just plain 'exploitation'.
Then, there's this characteristic of spores that is fascinating. Whereas living fungal cells can be diploid or even polyploid (containing two or more copies of the genetic blueprint per cell), spores are haploid: they contain only one copy of the genetic information. It [the spore] represents the most lonesome state. They are arid, potentially barren, just capable of maintaining the conditions for life, have only the essential load to be able to serve the collective, if they are lucky. let me tell you, unemployment rates in the spore world are staggering! *grin*
Please add onto this, as I have saturated the basic concept. Don't hesitate to ask any question... I know I can be too detailed and scientific, and I tried to keep it as simple as possible without distorting the 'truth' too much (except for the separation anxiety part, of course :-) ).
Megacollybia platyphylla (Pers.) Kotl. & Pouzar, syn.: Collybia platyphylla (Pers.) P. Kumm., Clitocybula platyphylla (Pers.) E. Ludw., Oudemansiella platyphylla (Pers.) Moser, Tricholomopsis platyphya and many others
Platterful mushroom, Whitelaced Shank, DE: Gewöhnliches Breitblatt, Breitblätriger Rübling
Slo.: širokolistna velekorenovka
Dat.: July 26. 2017
Lat.: 46.35959 Long.: 13.70122
Code: Bot_1077/2017_DSC8488
Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies dominant trees with some Ostrya carpinifolia and Fraxinus ornus; slightly inclined mountain slope, SE aspect; old colluvial, calcareous ground, in shade, dry and relatively warm place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (1.950), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: heavily rotten, moss covered stump of Fagus sylvatica.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soča and Trenta, right bank of river Soča; near the trail from Trenta 2b to Strgulc farmhouse, Soča 48; East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC.
Comments: When I noticed this fungus I thought it was a kind of Pluteus (actually Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. looks very similar). However, neither its spore print nor gills showed even a trace of pinkish color. So, it must be almost for sure Megacollybia platyphylla. Its streaked-looking gray-brown cap is typical.
Genus Megacollybia was considered monophyletic (that is containing only one specie - Megacollybia platyphylla) not so far ago. Recent DNA sequencing in North America (Ref.3) showed that it can be separated to several distinct species (how many of them scientists do not agree, up to nine worldwide). One of them Megacollybia platyphylla was limited to Europe. Unfortunately newly recognized species in North America cannot practically be separated by macro-morphological traits (particularly not if geographic location is dismissed as a 'character'). They are all variable and all look alike. Even microscopy doesn't help. To determine them in the field one would need 'pocket DNA sequencer' (which doesn't exist). So it is: DNA-defined species do not always show observable differences in physical features.
Megacollybia platyphylla is a common mushroom. There are conflicting reports about edibility of it. Some consider it conditionally edible, some weakly poisonous.
Description of this find: Growing solitary; heavily eaten by snails; pileus diameter 13 cm, radially streaked, strakes peel off easily; trama thin, gills broad, beige, fragile; stipe 8 cm long, 23 mm in diameter at the base and 19 mm on top, firm, slightly hollow at the center, fibrous, firmly attached to the rotten wood by mycelial strands; smell slightly on sour bread, taste mild, indistinctive; SP faint, beige, oac814.
Spores smooth. Dimensions: 7.3 [8 ; 8.3] 9 x 5.9 [6.5 ; 6.8] 7.4 microns; Q = 1.1 [1.2] 1.4; N = 30; C = 95%; Me = 8.1 x 6.7 microns; Qe = 1.2. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; in water, fresh material. AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 96.
(2) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 3., Ulmer (2001), p 360.
(3) www.mushroomexpert.com/megacollybia.html stanje megacolibija
(4) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.3. Verlag Mykologia (1991), p 246.
(5) L. Hagar, Ottova Encyklopedia Húb, Ottova Nakladatelstvi, Praha (2015) (in Slovakian), p 673.
(6) R. Lueder, Grundkurs Pilzbestimmung, Quelle & Meyer (2008), p 223.
(7) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 208.
I found this beautiful fungal growth under the bark of a dead beech log. They are Mycelial cords; the long, branching filamentous structure of a fungus made up of parallel-oriented hyphae. In most fungi, hyphae are the main mode of vegetative growth, and are collectively called a mycelium.
The mature cords are composed of wide, empty vessel hyphae surrounded by narrower sheathing hyphae. These cords look similar to plant roots, and often have a similar function. Because of this similarity, they are also called rhizomorphs, which translates to "root-forms".
Click Here for a close-up of these rhizomorphs.
Cantharellus cibarius
This pleasantly aromatic fleshy wild mushroom shines like an exotic golden flower when seen from a distance against the drab autumn forest background. Also known as "golden chanterelle" and "egg mushroom," it has a magical appeal for most culinary experts in Europe, United States, and Asia. But all chanterelles are not alike. European and Asian forms are usually about the size of a thumb. In the eastern United States they are the size of a fist. But, ah, in the west they can be as large as two hand spans--from little finger to little finger. Chanterelles weighing as much as two pounds are not uncommon.
Europeans and easterners claim that their varieties are tastier than those from the West Coast and suggest that flavor is more important than thumb size. It has been a rewarding experience to try to resolve this argument. The reader may happily experiment with such savory adventures as are suggested in this book to discover the truth.
Chanterelles seem to be worth their weight in gold. They are golden looking, golden tasting, and golden priced. The cap is fleshy, with wavy, rounded cap margins tapering downward to meet the stem. The gills are not the usual thin straight panels hanging from the lower surface of the cap, as we see in the common store mushroom. Instead, the ridges are rounded, blunt, shallow, and widely spaced. At the edge of the cap they are forked and interconnected. The chanterelle's aroma is variously described as apricot- or peachlike. It is unmistakably different and identifiable.
Chanterelles will reappear in the same places year after year if carefully harvested so as not to disturb the ground in which the mycelium (the vegetative part of the mushroom) grows. There are yearly variations--some years more mushrooms, some less. They fruit from September to February on the West Coast and almost all summer in the east, sometimes coming up in several flushes. We think of them as promiscuous in their plant relationships, because we have found their mycelial threads intertwined with the roots of hardwood trees, conifers, shrubs, and bushes. They enjoy deep, old leaf litter. Chanterelles are seldom invaded by insects. And forest animals do not share our interest in them as food.
There is an off-white species of chanterelle, called C. subalbidus, the white chanterelle, found in California and the Pacific Northwest. They are found in the same localities as C. cibarius and we clean and cook them in the same manner as the golden ones. In general, they are more difficult to clean because of their fragility. They are seldom found in large numbers.
A black relative of the chanterelle, Craterellus cornucopioides, is unfairly called "the trumpet of death." Don't believe it--the black chanterelle is delicious. C. cornucopioides is difficult to spell and to find. Smaller in size than the orange chanterelle, the caps are funnel shaped and hollow all the way down to the base of the stem. It has been well described as a black petunia . Its dark cap, gray underside, and its habit of growing in dark places under shrubs make this secretive mushroom a challenge to find. There are a few equally edible look-alikes.
C. cornucopioides can be halved and easily washed off. The texture is crisp and firm, like the Asian wood ear mushroom, but it is much more tasty. Add it to soups or stews for texture and flavor. Sauté it in butter or chop and simmer in a white sauce, then serve on thin slices of toast. Many people dry these mushrooms thoroughly and grind them into a powder. This is sprinkled on top of foods or added to casseroles or soups for a rich mushroom flavor.
Megacollybia platyphylla (Pers.) Kotl. & Pouzar, syn.: Collybia platyphylla (Pers.) P. Kumm., Clitocybula platyphylla (Pers.) E. Ludw., Oudemansiella platyphylla (Pers.) Moser, Tricholomopsis platyphya and many others
Platterful mushroom, Whitelaced Shank, DE: Gewöhnliches Breitblatt, Breitblätriger Rübling
Slo.: širokolistna velekorenovka
Dat.: July 26. 2017
Lat.: 46.35959 Long.: 13.70122
Code: Bot_1077/2017_DSC8488
Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies dominant trees with some Ostrya carpinifolia and Fraxinus ornus; slightly inclined mountain slope, SE aspect; old colluvial, calcareous ground, in shade, dry and relatively warm place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (1.950), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: heavily rotten, moss covered stump of Fagus sylvatica.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soča and Trenta, right bank of river Soča; near the trail from Trenta 2b to Strgulc farmhouse, Soča 48; East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC.
Comments: When I noticed this fungus I thought it was a kind of Pluteus (actually Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. looks very similar). However, neither its spore print nor gills showed even a trace of pinkish color. So, it must be almost for sure Megacollybia platyphylla. Its streaked-looking gray-brown cap is typical.
Genus Megacollybia was considered monophyletic (that is containing only one specie - Megacollybia platyphylla) not so far ago. Recent DNA sequencing in North America (Ref.3) showed that it can be separated to several distinct species (how many of them scientists do not agree, up to nine worldwide). One of them Megacollybia platyphylla was limited to Europe. Unfortunately newly recognized species in North America cannot practically be separated by macro-morphological traits (particularly not if geographic location is dismissed as a 'character'). They are all variable and all look alike. Even microscopy doesn't help. To determine them in the field one would need 'pocket DNA sequencer' (which doesn't exist). So it is: DNA-defined species do not always show observable differences in physical features.
Megacollybia platyphylla is a common mushroom. There are conflicting reports about edibility of it. Some consider it conditionally edible, some weakly poisonous.
Description of this find: Growing solitary; heavily eaten by snails; pileus diameter 13 cm, radially streaked, strakes peel off easily; trama thin, gills broad, beige, fragile; stipe 8 cm long, 23 mm in diameter at the base and 19 mm on top, firm, slightly hollow at the center, fibrous, firmly attached to the rotten wood by mycelial strands; smell slightly on sour bread, taste mild, indistinctive; SP faint, beige, oac814.
Spores smooth. Dimensions: 7.3 [8 ; 8.3] 9 x 5.9 [6.5 ; 6.8] 7.4 microns; Q = 1.1 [1.2] 1.4; N = 30; C = 95%; Me = 8.1 x 6.7 microns; Qe = 1.2. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; in water, fresh material. AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 96.
(2) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 3., Ulmer (2001), p 360.
(3) www.mushroomexpert.com/megacollybia.html stanje megacolibija
(4) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.3. Verlag Mykologia (1991), p 246.
(5) L. Hagar, Ottova Encyklopedia Húb, Ottova Nakladatelstvi, Praha (2015) (in Slovakian), p 673.
(6) R. Lueder, Grundkurs Pilzbestimmung, Quelle & Meyer (2008), p 223.
(7) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 208.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
11 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
10 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells.
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
8 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C
Mycelium, OOAK Inamorata art doll featuring Shani head sculpt in Ice resin.
I originally made Mycilium for the Hitogata Ten art doll exhibition in Tokyo. Since tattoos are a bit of a taboo in Japan, and I didn't want to risk upsetting the gallery, I didn't fulfil my original vision for he doll at the time. However, when this doll sold after the exhibition, I pitched the idea of painting her entire body with a mycelial network that has little bugs scuttling throughout it. I was so happy that the new owner loved the idea and I got to finish the concept. Her white mulberry silk hard cap wig with branching out braids repeats the branching patterns of a mycelial network.
The next preorder for Inamorata dolls is on April 22nd and will include this translucent Ice resin tone.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
10 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
10 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
13 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
Megacollybia platyphylla (Pers.) Kotl. & Pouzar, syn.: Collybia platyphylla (Pers.) P. Kumm., Clitocybula platyphylla (Pers.) E. Ludw., Oudemansiella platyphylla (Pers.) Moser, Tricholomopsis platyphya and many others
Platterful mushroom, Whitelaced Shank, DE: Gewöhnliches Breitblatt, Breitblätriger Rübling
Slo.: širokolistna velekorenovka
Dat.: July 26. 2017
Lat.: 46.35959 Long.: 13.70122
Code: Bot_1077/2017_DSC8488
Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies dominant trees with some Ostrya carpinifolia and Fraxinus ornus; slightly inclined mountain slope, SE aspect; old colluvial, calcareous ground, in shade, dry and relatively warm place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (1.950), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: heavily rotten, moss covered stump of Fagus sylvatica.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soča and Trenta, right bank of river Soča; near the trail from Trenta 2b to Strgulc farmhouse, Soča 48; East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC.
Comments: When I noticed this fungus I thought it was a kind of Pluteus (actually Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. looks very similar). However, neither its spore print nor gills showed even a trace of pinkish color. So, it must be almost for sure Megacollybia platyphylla. Its streaked-looking gray-brown cap is typical.
Genus Megacollybia was considered monophyletic (that is containing only one specie - Megacollybia platyphylla) not so far ago. Recent DNA sequencing in North America (Ref.3) showed that it can be separated to several distinct species (how many of them scientists do not agree, up to nine worldwide). One of them Megacollybia platyphylla was limited to Europe. Unfortunately newly recognized species in North America cannot practically be separated by macro-morphological traits (particularly not if geographic location is dismissed as a 'character'). They are all variable and all look alike. Even microscopy doesn't help. To determine them in the field one would need 'pocket DNA sequencer' (which doesn't exist). So it is: DNA-defined species do not always show observable differences in physical features.
Megacollybia platyphylla is a common mushroom. There are conflicting reports about edibility of it. Some consider it conditionally edible, some weakly poisonous.
Description of this find: Growing solitary; heavily eaten by snails; pileus diameter 13 cm, radially streaked, strakes peel off easily; trama thin, gills broad, beige, fragile; stipe 8 cm long, 23 mm in diameter at the base and 19 mm on top, firm, slightly hollow at the center, fibrous, firmly attached to the rotten wood by mycelial strands; smell slightly on sour bread, taste mild, indistinctive; SP faint, beige, oac814.
Spores smooth. Dimensions: 7.3 [8 ; 8.3] 9 x 5.9 [6.5 ; 6.8] 7.4 microns; Q = 1.1 [1.2] 1.4; N = 30; C = 95%; Me = 8.1 x 6.7 microns; Qe = 1.2. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; in water, fresh material. AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 96.
(2) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 3., Ulmer (2001), p 360.
(3) www.mushroomexpert.com/megacollybia.html stanje megacolibija
(4) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.3. Verlag Mykologia (1991), p 246.
(5) L. Hagar, Ottova Encyklopedia Húb, Ottova Nakladatelstvi, Praha (2015) (in Slovakian), p 673.
(6) R. Lueder, Grundkurs Pilzbestimmung, Quelle & Meyer (2008), p 223.
(7) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 208.
Geastrum quadrifidum (Pers.) Pers., syn.: Geastrum coronatum Scopoli
Rayed Earthstar, DE: Kleiner Nest-Erdstern, Kronen Erdstern
Slo.: četverokraka zvezdica
Dat.: Sept. 09. 2014
Lat.: 46.36529 Long.: 13.74988
Code: Bot_835/2014_DSC3951
Habitat: mixed wood, Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica dominant, moderately steep, southeast oriented mountain slope, calcareous skeletal ground covered by leaf and needles litter without ground vegetation, under Picea abies, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 5-7 deg C, elevation 950 m (3.100 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: on moss covering a small Picea abies stump in the last disintegration stage, decomposed to almost soil.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, near the trail from Trenta village to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih mountain cottage, halfway between the village and Planina Lepoč, East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC
Comments: Genus Geastrum contains very attractive fungi, which almost all are rather uncommon, if not rare. Globose or onion shaped fruit bodies of many start to develop underground. The 'shell' of their fruit bodies consists of four distinct layers (with some exceptions). The outer three form so called exoperidium and the inner one is endoperidium, a 'sack', which contains spores. Exoperidium's outer layer consists of mycelium, the middle layer consists of fibers and the inner one is so called pseudoparenchymal layer. During growth the last one swells and breaks the exoperidium into star like shaped lappets, which curl backward and in this way push the fruit body out of the ground. In some species, like with Geastrum quadrifidum, the outer mycelial layer does not split together with other two layers of the exoperidium but falls off and forms a kind of 'bird's nest' in ground on top of which the fruit body sits. This white mycelial 'nest' can be seen on Fig. 3. The fruit body, when mature, cuts itself almost completely off the mycelium and stands free, like on legs made of exoperidium flaps. Only the far ends of the laps stay in connection with the 'nest'. In this way endoperidium with its 'chimney' (peristom) on top, through which clouds of spores rise like a 'smoke', is positioned as high as possible to facilitate spore spreading by the wind.
Geastrum quadrifidum is among the smallest species of about 50 of them worldwide (and ten of them described in Slovenian checklist (Ref.7)). It is a rare find. As its species name suggests it usually has four exoperidium 'legs'. However, sometimes, as in my find, it has five of them.
Growing solitary; exoperidium diameter 20 mm, endoperidium diameter 8 mm, its height (without the peristom 'beak') 7 mm; SP and spores on mass dark brown; smell none; taste not tested (too small).
Spores coarsely warty. Dimensions excluding warts: 4.4 [5 ; 5.2] 5.7 x 4.1 [4.5 ; 4.7] 5.2 microns; Q = 1 [1.1] 1.2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 5.1 x 4.6 microns; Qe = 1.1; number of warts per circumference: AVG = 12.1, SD = 1.2, N = 30. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 2., Ulmer (2000), p 116.
(2) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 440.
(3) W. Rothmaler, Exkursionsflora von Deutschland, Vol.1, Niedere Pflanzen, Elsevier, 3.Auflage, (1994), p 519.
(4) M. Bon, Parey's Buch der Pilze, Kosmos (2005), p 302.
(5) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.2. Verlag Mykologia(1986), p 382.
(6) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 334.
(7) A. Poler, ed., Seznam gliv Slovenije (in Slovene), 2nd Ed., Assoc. of Mycol. Soc. of Slovenia (1998), p 29.
Mycelium, OOAK Inamorata art doll featuring Shani head sculpt in Ice resin.
I originally made Mycilium for the Hitogata Ten art doll exhibition in Tokyo. Since tattoos are a bit of a taboo in Japan, and I didn't want to risk upsetting the gallery, I didn't fulfil my original vision for he doll at the time. However, when this doll sold after the exhibition, I pitched the idea of painting her entire body with a mycelial network that has little bugs scuttling throughout it. I was so happy that the new owner loved the idea and I got to finish the concept. Her white mulberry silk hard cap wig with branching out braids repeats the branching patterns of a mycelial network.
The next preorder for Inamorata dolls is on April 22nd and will include this translucent Ice resin tone.
Megacollybia platyphylla (Pers.) Kotl. & Pouzar, syn.: Collybia platyphylla (Pers.) P. Kumm., Clitocybula platyphylla (Pers.) E. Ludw., Oudemansiella platyphylla (Pers.) Moser, Tricholomopsis platyphya and many others
Platterful mushroom, Whitelaced Shank, DE: Gewöhnliches Breitblatt, Breitblätriger Rübling
Slo.: širokolistna velekorenovka
Dat.: July 26. 2017
Lat.: 46.35959 Long.: 13.70122
Code: Bot_1077/2017_DSC8488
Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies dominant trees with some Ostrya carpinifolia and Fraxinus ornus; slightly inclined mountain slope, SE aspect; old colluvial, calcareous ground, in shade, dry and relatively warm place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (1.950), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: heavily rotten, moss covered stump of Fagus sylvatica.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soča and Trenta, right bank of river Soča; near the trail from Trenta 2b to Strgulc farmhouse, Soča 48; East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC.
Comments: When I noticed this fungus I thought it was a kind of Pluteus (actually Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. looks very similar). However, neither its spore print nor gills showed even a trace of pinkish color. So, it must be almost for sure Megacollybia platyphylla. Its streaked-looking gray-brown cap is typical.
Genus Megacollybia was considered monophyletic (that is containing only one specie - Megacollybia platyphylla) not so far ago. Recent DNA sequencing in North America (Ref.3) showed that it can be separated to several distinct species (how many of them scientists do not agree, up to nine worldwide). One of them Megacollybia platyphylla was limited to Europe. Unfortunately newly recognized species in North America cannot practically be separated by macro-morphological traits (particularly not if geographic location is dismissed as a 'character'). They are all variable and all look alike. Even microscopy doesn't help. To determine them in the field one would need 'pocket DNA sequencer' (which doesn't exist). So it is: DNA-defined species do not always show observable differences in physical features.
Megacollybia platyphylla is a common mushroom. There are conflicting reports about edibility of it. Some consider it conditionally edible, some weakly poisonous.
Description of this find: Growing solitary; heavily eaten by snails; pileus diameter 13 cm, radially streaked, strakes peel off easily; trama thin, gills broad, beige, fragile; stipe 8 cm long, 23 mm in diameter at the base and 19 mm on top, firm, slightly hollow at the center, fibrous, firmly attached to the rotten wood by mycelial strands; smell slightly on sour bread, taste mild, indistinctive; SP faint, beige, oac814.
Spores smooth. Dimensions: 7.3 [8 ; 8.3] 9 x 5.9 [6.5 ; 6.8] 7.4 microns; Q = 1.1 [1.2] 1.4; N = 30; C = 95%; Me = 8.1 x 6.7 microns; Qe = 1.2. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; in water, fresh material. AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 96.
(2) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 3., Ulmer (2001), p 360.
(3) www.mushroomexpert.com/megacollybia.html stanje megacolibija
(4) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.3. Verlag Mykologia (1991), p 246.
(5) L. Hagar, Ottova Encyklopedia Húb, Ottova Nakladatelstvi, Praha (2015) (in Slovakian), p 673.
(6) R. Lueder, Grundkurs Pilzbestimmung, Quelle & Meyer (2008), p 223.
(7) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 208.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora
4 days after inoculation of a young pod with mycelial plug and incubated at approx. 95% relative humidity @ 28 C
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
7 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
9 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
Geastrum quadrifidum (Pers.) Pers., syn.: Geastrum coronatum Scopoli
Rayed Earthstar, DE: Kleiner Nest-Erdstern, Kronen Erdstern
Slo.: četverokraka zvezdica
Dat.: Sept. 09. 2014
Lat.: 46.36529 Long.: 13.74988
Code: Bot_835/2014_DSC3951
Habitat: mixed wood, Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica dominant, moderately steep, southeast oriented mountain slope, calcareous skeletal ground covered by leaf and needles litter without ground vegetation, under Picea abies, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 5-7 deg C, elevation 950 m (3.100 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: on moss covering a small Picea abies stump in the last disintegration stage, decomposed to almost soil.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, near the trail from Trenta village to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih mountain cottage, halfway between the village and Planina Lepoč, East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC
Comments: Genus Geastrum contains very attractive fungi, which almost all are rather uncommon, if not rare. Globose or onion shaped fruit bodies of many start to develop underground. The 'shell' of their fruit bodies consists of four distinct layers (with some exceptions). The outer three form so called exoperidium and the inner one is endoperidium, a 'sack', which contains spores. Exoperidium's outer layer consists of mycelium, the middle layer consists of fibers and the inner one is so called pseudoparenchymal layer. During growth the last one swells and breaks the exoperidium into star like shaped lappets, which curl backward and in this way push the fruit body out of the ground. In some species, like with Geastrum quadrifidum, the outer mycelial layer does not split together with other two layers of the exoperidium but falls off and forms a kind of 'bird's nest' in ground on top of which the fruit body sits. This white mycelial 'nest' can be seen on Fig. 3. The fruit body, when mature, cuts itself almost completely off the mycelium and stands free, like on legs made of exoperidium flaps. Only the far ends of the laps stay in connection with the 'nest'. In this way endoperidium with its 'chimney' (peristom) on top, through which clouds of spores rise like a 'smoke', is positioned as high as possible to facilitate spore spreading by the wind.
Geastrum quadrifidum is among the smallest species of about 50 of them worldwide (and ten of them described in Slovenian checklist (Ref.7)). It is a rare find. As its species name suggests it usually has four exoperidium 'legs'. However, sometimes, as in my find, it has five of them.
Growing solitary; exoperidium diameter 20 mm, endoperidium diameter 8 mm, its height (without the peristom 'beak') 7 mm; SP and spores on mass dark brown; smell none; taste not tested (too small).
Spores coarsely warty. Dimensions excluding warts: 4.4 [5 ; 5.2] 5.7 x 4.1 [4.5 ; 4.7] 5.2 microns; Q = 1 [1.1] 1.2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 5.1 x 4.6 microns; Qe = 1.1; number of warts per circumference: AVG = 12.1, SD = 1.2, N = 30. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 2., Ulmer (2000), p 116.
(2) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 440.
(3) W. Rothmaler, Exkursionsflora von Deutschland, Vol.1, Niedere Pflanzen, Elsevier, 3.Auflage, (1994), p 519.
(4) M. Bon, Parey's Buch der Pilze, Kosmos (2005), p 302.
(5) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.2. Verlag Mykologia(1986), p 382.
(6) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 334.
(7) A. Poler, ed., Seznam gliv Slovenije (in Slovene), 2nd Ed., Assoc. of Mycol. Soc. of Slovenia (1998), p 29.
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells.
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
view this photo large on black
see more interesting photo's from me here:
flickeflu.com/photos/77411963@N07/interesting
Armillaria solidipes (formerly Armillaria ostoyae), the honey mushroom, is the most common variant in the western U.S. of the group of species that all used to share the name Armillaria mellea. Armillaria solidipes is quite common on both hardwood and conifer wood in forests west of the Cascade crest. The mycelium attacks the sapwood and is able to travel great distances under the bark or between trees in the form of black rhizomorphs ("shoestrings").
In most areas of North America, Armillaria solidipes can be separated from other species by its physical features. Its brown colors, fairly prominent scales featured on its cap, and the well-developed ring on its stem sets it apart from any Armillaria.
It is known to be one of the largest living organisms, where scientists have estimated a single specimen found in Malheur National Forest in Oregon to have been growing for some 2,400 years, covering 3.4 square miles (8.4 km^2) and colloquially named the "Humongous Fungus." Armillaria solidipes grows and spreads primarily underground and the bulk of the organism lies in the ground, out of sight. Therefore, the organism is not visible to anyone viewing from the surface. It is only in the autumn when this organism will bloom “honey mushrooms”, visible evidence of the organism lying beneath. Low competition for land and nutrients have allowed this organism to grow so huge; it possibly covers more geographical area than any other living organism.
This fungus, like most parasitic fungi, reproduces sexually. The fungi begin their life as spores, released into the environment by a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes has a white spore print. There are two types of mating types for spores (not male and female but similar in effect). The spores can be dispersed by environment factors such as wind or they can be redeposited by an animal. Once the spores are in a resting state, the single spore must come in contact with a spore of an opposite mating type and of the same species. If the single spore isolates are from different species, the colonies will not fuse together and they will remain separate. When two isolates of the same species but different mating types fuse together, they soon form coalesced colonies which become dark brown and flat. With this particular fungus it will produce mycelial cords also known as rhizomorphs. These rhizomorphs allow the fungus to obtain nutrients from long distances away. These are also the main factors to its pathogenicity. As the fruiting body continues to grow and obtaining nutrients, it forms into a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes in particular grows a wide and thin sheet-like plates radiating from the stem which is known as its gills. The gills hold the spores of a mature mushroom. This is stained white when seen as a spore print. Once spore formation is complete, this signifies a mature mushroom and now is able to spread its spores to start a new generation.
The disease is of particular interest to forest managers, as the species is highly pathogenic to a number of commercial softwoods, notably Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true firs (Abies spp.) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). A commonly prescribed treatment is the clear cutting of an infected stand followed by planting with more resistant species such as Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) or deciduous seedlings. Armillaria can remain viable in stumps for 50 years.
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Armillaria ostoyae, Sombere honingzwam.
Middelbruine tot geelbruine, vleeskleurige hoed en iets lichtere steel. Hoed met donkerder, afwisbare schubjes. De steel heeft een forse ring, met beneden de ring ook schubjes op de steel. De rand van de hoed is in vochtige toestand doorschijnend gestreept. Groeit meestal in bundels. Kleur van de sporen: wit tot crème. Hoogte: 6-15 cm, breedte: 3-10 cm.
Kan van september tot november gevonden worden op de stam, de basis en de wortels van bomen en op stronken van bomen. Meestal op min of meer zure zandgronden, komt algemeen voor.
Honingzwammen verspreiden zich niet alleen via hun sporen, maar ook via lange zwarte draden, rhizomorfen. Deze op veters lijkende zwarte draden kunnen onder de bast van aangetaste bomen gevonden worden. Voor de honingzwammen in het algemeen geldt, dat het parasieten zijn, die een sterke vorm van witrot veroorzaken, die uiteindelijk leidt tot het afsterven van de gastheer.
In april 2003 werd in het Malheur National Forest in de Amerikaanse staat Oregon een sombere honingzwam ontdekt van naar schatting 2400 jaar oud met een ondergrondse mycelium omvang van 8,9 km². Daarmee is deze schimmel het grootste organisme ter wereld. Ook in Zwitserland in het Nationaal Park in de streek Engadin komt deze schimmel met een grote omvang voor. Hier is de schimmel ongeveer duizend jaar oud en ongeveer 800 meter lang en 500 meter breed.
Mycilium, OOAK Inamorata doll with Shani head sculpt in Ice resin. Mycilium is being displayed in the Hitogata Ten art doll exhibition in Tokyo.
She is a nude OOAK with a white mulberry silk wig with branching out braids and amazing 3D printed wings by @lbxcouture (Thank you for the wings LBX!).
I was playing with the idea that fairies were related to mushrooms and that she is symbiotically reaching out and connecting to the environment around her using mycelial networks .
There is a waiting list for the exhibition dolls. Email me with "waiting list" as topic to get a chance to buy her if she doesn't sell at the exhibition.
Mycelium, OOAK Inamorata art doll featuring Shani head sculpt in Ice resin.
I originally made Mycilium for the Hitogata Ten art doll exhibition in Tokyo. Since tattoos are a bit of a taboo in Japan, and I didn't want to risk upsetting the gallery, I didn't fulfil my original vision for he doll at the time. However, when this doll sold after the exhibition, I pitched the idea of painting her entire body with a mycelial network that has little bugs scuttling throughout it. I was so happy that the new owner loved the idea and I got to finish the concept. Her white mulberry silk hard cap wig with branching out braids repeats the branching patterns of a mycelial network.
The next preorder for Inamorata dolls is on April 22nd and will include this translucent Ice resin tone.
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells.
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Kristen Chadwick's 'root disease queen' crown made by Helen Maffei: note laminated decay, rhizomorphs, mycelial felts, dwarf mistletoe plants and seeds, and buprestid.
Photo by: Mike McWilliams
Date: August 20, 2009
Credit: USDA Forest Service, Region 6, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection.
Source: Mike McWilliams collection, La Grande, Oregon.
Image provided by USDA Forest Service, Region 6, State and Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection: www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/forest-grasslandhealth
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Fungal rhizomorphs, or mycelial cords, are web-like structures in fungi made up of tubular filaments called hyphae. Rhizomorphs act much like plant roots to absorb nutrients for the fungi. These structures play an extremely important role in wood decomposition and nutrient redistribution in Nature. They are an integral part of the web of life on earth.
I found these rhisomorphs under the bark of a dead beech log.
Here is a photo of these fungal 'roots' from a distance, with a coin for scale.
view this photo large on black
see more interesting photo's from me here:
flickeflu.com/photos/77411963@N07/interesting
Armillaria solidipes (formerly Armillaria ostoyae), the honey mushroom, is the most common variant in the western U.S. of the group of species that all used to share the name Armillaria mellea. Armillaria solidipes is quite common on both hardwood and conifer wood in forests west of the Cascade crest. The mycelium attacks the sapwood and is able to travel great distances under the bark or between trees in the form of black rhizomorphs ("shoestrings").
In most areas of North America, Armillaria solidipes can be separated from other species by its physical features. Its brown colors, fairly prominent scales featured on its cap, and the well-developed ring on its stem sets it apart from any Armillaria.
It is known to be one of the largest living organisms, where scientists have estimated a single specimen found in Malheur National Forest in Oregon to have been growing for some 2,400 years, covering 3.4 square miles (8.4 km^2) and colloquially named the "Humongous Fungus." Armillaria solidipes grows and spreads primarily underground and the bulk of the organism lies in the ground, out of sight. Therefore, the organism is not visible to anyone viewing from the surface. It is only in the autumn when this organism will bloom “honey mushrooms”, visible evidence of the organism lying beneath. Low competition for land and nutrients have allowed this organism to grow so huge; it possibly covers more geographical area than any other living organism.
This fungus, like most parasitic fungi, reproduces sexually. The fungi begin their life as spores, released into the environment by a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes has a white spore print. There are two types of mating types for spores (not male and female but similar in effect). The spores can be dispersed by environment factors such as wind or they can be redeposited by an animal. Once the spores are in a resting state, the single spore must come in contact with a spore of an opposite mating type and of the same species. If the single spore isolates are from different species, the colonies will not fuse together and they will remain separate. When two isolates of the same species but different mating types fuse together, they soon form coalesced colonies which become dark brown and flat. With this particular fungus it will produce mycelial cords also known as rhizomorphs. These rhizomorphs allow the fungus to obtain nutrients from long distances away. These are also the main factors to its pathogenicity. As the fruiting body continues to grow and obtaining nutrients, it forms into a mature mushroom. Armillaria solidipes in particular grows a wide and thin sheet-like plates radiating from the stem which is known as its gills. The gills hold the spores of a mature mushroom. This is stained white when seen as a spore print. Once spore formation is complete, this signifies a mature mushroom and now is able to spread its spores to start a new generation.
The disease is of particular interest to forest managers, as the species is highly pathogenic to a number of commercial softwoods, notably Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), true firs (Abies spp.) and Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). A commonly prescribed treatment is the clear cutting of an infected stand followed by planting with more resistant species such as Western redcedar (Thuja plicata) or deciduous seedlings. Armillaria can remain viable in stumps for 50 years.
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Armillaria ostoyae, Sombere honingzwam.
Middelbruine tot geelbruine, vleeskleurige hoed en iets lichtere steel. Hoed met donkerder, afwisbare schubjes. De steel heeft een forse ring, met beneden de ring ook schubjes op de steel. De rand van de hoed is in vochtige toestand doorschijnend gestreept. Groeit meestal in bundels. Kleur van de sporen: wit tot crème. Hoogte: 6-15 cm, breedte: 3-10 cm.
Kan van september tot november gevonden worden op de stam, de basis en de wortels van bomen en op stronken van bomen. Meestal op min of meer zure zandgronden, komt algemeen voor.
Honingzwammen verspreiden zich niet alleen via hun sporen, maar ook via lange zwarte draden, rhizomorfen. Deze op veters lijkende zwarte draden kunnen onder de bast van aangetaste bomen gevonden worden. Voor de honingzwammen in het algemeen geldt, dat het parasieten zijn, die een sterke vorm van witrot veroorzaken, die uiteindelijk leidt tot het afsterven van de gastheer.
In april 2003 werd in het Malheur National Forest in de Amerikaanse staat Oregon een sombere honingzwam ontdekt van naar schatting 2400 jaar oud met een ondergrondse mycelium omvang van 8,9 km². Daarmee is deze schimmel het grootste organisme ter wereld. Ook in Zwitserland in het Nationaal Park in de streek Engadin komt deze schimmel met een grote omvang voor. Hier is de schimmel ongeveer duizend jaar oud en ongeveer 800 meter lang en 500 meter breed.
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Scleroderma citrinum - - -
commonly known as the common earthball, pigskin poison puffball, or common earth ball, is the most common species of earthball in the UK and occurs widely in woods, heathland and in short grass from Autumn to Winter. Scleroderma citrinum has two synonyms, Scleroderma aurantium (Vaill.) and Scleroderma vulgare Horn.
Earthballs are superficially similar to, and considered look-alikes of the edible puffball, but whereas the Puffball has a single opening on top through which the spores are dispersed, the earthball just breaks up to release the spores. Moreover, Scleroderma citrinum has much firmer flesh and a dark gleba (interior) much earlier in development than puffballs. Scleroderma citrinum has no stem but is attached to the soil by mycelial cords. The peridium, or outer wall, is thick and firm, usually ochre yellow externally with irregular warts.
The earthball may be parasitized by Pseudoboletus parasiticus.
Ingestion of scleroderma citrinum can cause gastrointestinal distress in humans and animals, and some individuals may experience lacrimation, rhinitis and rhinorrhea, and conjunctivitis from exposure to its spores
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Gele aardappelbovist (zéér giftig)
De gele aardappelbovist (Scleroderma citrinum, synoniem: Scleroderma aurantium) is een schimmel uit de familie Sclerodermataceae.
Het vruchtlichaam heeft een doorsnede van 5-10 cm en is half bol- of knolvormig, maar vaak afgeplat aan de bovenkant. Het oppervlak is ruw door hoekige schubjes. De kleur varieert van geelachtig tot okerkleurig. Snijdt men het vruchtlichaam door, dan blijkt er een dikke, witachtige schil, het peridium, te zijn met vaak een roze waas. Daarbinnen zit de purperzwarte sporenmassa. Deze bovist heeft geen steel of slechts een korte, steelachtige basis.
Geastrum quadrifidum (Pers.) Pers., syn.: Geastrum coronatum Scopoli
Rayed Earthstar, DE: Kleiner Nest-Erdstern, Kronen Erdstern
Slo.: četverokraka zvezdica
Dat.: Sept. 09. 2014
Lat.: 46.36529 Long.: 13.74988
Code: Bot_835/2014_DSC3951
Habitat: mixed wood, Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica dominant, moderately steep, southeast oriented mountain slope, calcareous skeletal ground covered by leaf and needles litter without ground vegetation, under Picea abies, in shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 5-7 deg C, elevation 950 m (3.100 feet), alpine phytogeographical region.
Substratum: on moss covering a small Picea abies stump in the last disintegration stage, decomposed to almost soil.
Place: Lower Trenta valley, near the trail from Trenta village to Zasavska koča na Prehodavcih mountain cottage, halfway between the village and Planina Lepoč, East Julian Alps, Posočje, Slovenia EC
Comments: Genus Geastrum contains very attractive fungi, which almost all are rather uncommon, if not rare. Globose or onion shaped fruit bodies of many start to develop underground. The 'shell' of their fruit bodies consists of four distinct layers (with some exceptions). The outer three form so called exoperidium and the inner one is endoperidium, a 'sack', which contains spores. Exoperidium's outer layer consists of mycelium, the middle layer consists of fibers and the inner one is so called pseudoparenchymal layer. During growth the last one swells and breaks the exoperidium into star like shaped lappets, which curl backward and in this way push the fruit body out of the ground. In some species, like with Geastrum quadrifidum, the outer mycelial layer does not split together with other two layers of the exoperidium but falls off and forms a kind of 'bird's nest' in ground on top of which the fruit body sits. This white mycelial 'nest' can be seen on Fig. 3. The fruit body, when mature, cuts itself almost completely off the mycelium and stands free, like on legs made of exoperidium flaps. Only the far ends of the laps stay in connection with the 'nest'. In this way endoperidium with its 'chimney' (peristom) on top, through which clouds of spores rise like a 'smoke', is positioned as high as possible to facilitate spore spreading by the wind.
Geastrum quadrifidum is among the smallest species of about 50 of them worldwide (and ten of them described in Slovenian checklist (Ref.7)). It is a rare find. As its species name suggests it usually has four exoperidium 'legs'. However, sometimes, as in my find, it has five of them.
Growing solitary; exoperidium diameter 20 mm, endoperidium diameter 8 mm, its height (without the peristom 'beak') 7 mm; SP and spores on mass dark brown; smell none; taste not tested (too small).
Spores coarsely warty. Dimensions excluding warts: 4.4 [5 ; 5.2] 5.7 x 4.1 [4.5 ; 4.7] 5.2 microns; Q = 1 [1.1] 1.2; N = 40; C = 95%; Me = 5.1 x 4.6 microns; Qe = 1.1; number of warts per circumference: AVG = 12.1, SD = 1.2, N = 30. Olympus CH20, NEA 100x/1.25, magnification 1.000 x, oil; AmScope MA500 digital camera.
Herbarium: Mycotheca and lichen herbarium (LJU-Li) of Slovenian Forestry Institute, Večna pot 2, Ljubljana, Index Herbariorum LJF
Ref.:
(1) G.J. Krieglsteiner (Hrsg.), Die Grosspilze Baden-Württembergs, Band 2., Ulmer (2000), p 116.
(2) S. Buczacki, Collins Fungi Guide, Collins (2012), p 440.
(3) W. Rothmaler, Exkursionsflora von Deutschland, Vol.1, Niedere Pflanzen, Elsevier, 3.Auflage, (1994), p 519.
(4) M. Bon, Parey's Buch der Pilze, Kosmos (2005), p 302.
(5) J. Breitenbach, F. Kraenzlin, Eds., Fungi of Switzerland, Vol.2. Verlag Mykologia(1986), p 382.
(6) R. Phillips, Mushrooms, Macmillan (2006), p 334.
(7) A. Poler, ed., Seznam gliv Slovenije (in Slovene), 2nd Ed., Assoc. of Mycol. Soc. of Slovenia (1998), p 29.
This interesting fungus forms a thick mycelial mat and fruits where animals have urinated in early spring.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
17 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
10 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora
5 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug (10% V8 juice agar), incubated at 28 C and approx. 95% relative humidity
On May 31, seventeen people armed with six wheelbarrows and eight shovels moved approximately 54 cubic yards of wood chips from point A to point B. Point B happens to be an experimental restoration site aimed at removing periwinkle (Vinca minor), an invasive species that is covering the forest floor at Ayum Creek Park Reserve, located in Sooke.
TLC began the restoration project this spring by cutting and pulling periwinkle before lying cardboard on top to smother it of light and prevent it from growing. Adding 4 to 6 inches of wood chips on top helps ensure the smothering continues for 5 to 10 years, which is how long the mix of cedar and Douglas-fir chips are thought to take to break down. Periwinkle requires this type of restoration due to how pervasive it is; it is heat- and drought-tolerant, and spreads by both rhizomes (aka “runners”) and seeds. You can see in the photos just how thick a blanket this can create. Regular invasive species control methods such as pulling or cutting alone won’t work for this species as even the smallest of root hairs left over will re-sprout! For this reason, TLC has decided to employ a technique from permaculture, known as “lasagna gardening” which builds soil by adding different layers of materials. By layering different sources of carbon and nitrogen (your “browns and greens” in composting) and not tilling or otherwise breaking up the soil, allows the microbes and soil organisms to thrive, which all contribute to healthier, nutrient-dense soil. Tilling is usually employed to mix nutrients into the soil, but by adding it in layers that break down over time you also allow the healthy mycelial networks to flourish. Mycelium is the underground form of mushrooms, which are the fruiting bodies much like an apple tree creates apples as part of its sexual reproduction phase. Soils contain a complex web of organisms that require specific conditions in order to prosper, so TLC hopes that our restoration technique will not only get rid of the invasive species but also help ensure the healthy soil underneath stays that way.
Most of the volunteers that day came from a local business that wanted to use one of their team building days to help out an environmental organization – thank you, Sendwithus, for choosing TLC! Your muscle and determination to complete the job that day will have a lasting impact on the health of Ayum Creek Park. One of the members from Sendwithus was so excited about the work that he was literally running wheelbarrows full of wood chips from one end of the park to the other, his hair flying back in the wind and a great big grin on his face. What a guy! This is not to say the other folks from Sendwithus didn’t also leave a lasting impression – everyone was a pleasure to work with and we at TLC can’t tell you how grateful we are for your enthusiasm and willingness to work hard that day to complete the job. It was no small feat! We hope you return one day to see the salmon spawning up the creek, knowing that you have contributed to their health indirectly by ensuring native species can continue to thrive.
Find out more about TLC's Covenant Program at conservancy.bc.ca
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Pathogen: Phytophthora palmivora (isolated from cacao)
9 days after inoculation with a mycelial plug and subsequent incubation in a sealed plastic bag at 23 C.
Whitish mycelium and sporangia of the pathogen are visible on the surface of the necrotic tissue.
This fungus occurs naturally in soils in the Manoa valley in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Such fungal pathogens of nematodes typically produce chitinase, the enzyme that degrades the chitin that comprises the nematode egg shells.
The fungus colonizes and kills the eggs rapidly, here the mycelial masses and strands were produced in less than 24 hours at 23 C.
The plant host of Meloidogyne incognita in this case is tomato, 'Orange Pixie.'
Geastrum triplex, commonly known as the collared earthstar, the saucered earthstar, or the triple earthstar, is an inedible species of fungus belonging to the genus Geastrum, or earthstar fungi. First described in 1840 as Geaster triplex, several authors have suggested that Geastrum indicum, described in 1832, is the legitimate name for the species. Immature fruit bodies are spherical—somewhat resembling puffballs with pointed beaks—and are partially or completely buried in the ground. As the fungus matures, the outer layer of tissue (the exoperidium) splits into four to eight pointed segments which spread outwards and downwards, lifting and exposing the spherical inner spore sac. The spore sac contains gleba, a mass of spores and fertile mycelial tissue that when young is white and firm, but ages to becomes brown and powdery. Often, a layer of the exoperidium splits around the perimeter of the spore sac so that it appears to rest in a collar or saucer. Atop the spore sac is a small pointed beak, the peristome, which has a small hole from which spores may be released. The species is the largest of the earthstar fungi, with a tip to tip length of an expanded mature specimen reaching up to 12 centimeters (4.7 in).
Geastrum triplex is a common and widespread species found in the detritus and leaf litter of hardwood forests in many parts of the world, including Asia, Australasia, Europe, and both North and South America. Fruit bodies have been analyzed chemically to determine their lipid content, and various chemical derivatives of the fungal sterol ergosterol have been identified. The fungus has a history of use in the traditional medicines of native North America and China.
(Wikipiedia)