What type of mushrooms grow on trees?
MYCORRHIZAE!!! These mushrooms do not grow on plants by their
selves, the plants develop them! Here is some impo info...
There is an adage from Czech: what is a warning. It tells
literally:"Every mushroom is edible, but some just for once." Some
mushrooms are deadly or extremely hazardous when consumed. Some
that are not deadly can nevertheless cause permanent organ damage.
The literature strongly advises that you:[citation needed]
Only eat mushrooms you have positively identified yourself.
Identify mushrooms a second time during preparation and cook
them properly, unless you know that the species can be eaten
raw.
Do not combine mushroom types.
Retain a sample of any mushroom you are not well-experienced
with for analysis in case of poisoning.
Inform yourself about deadly mushrooms that are look-alikes of
edible ones. "Deadly twins" differ regionally, so take into account
regional variation.
Do not gather mushrooms that are difficult to identify, unless
you have expert knowledge. This applies especially to the mushrooms
of the genus Amanita or Cortinarius and "little brown
mushrooms".
Consume only a small amount the first time you try a new
species. People react differently to different mushrooms, and all
mushroom species can cause an adverse reaction in a few
individuals, even the common champignon.[1]
"Little brown mushrooms"[edit]
Inocybe lacera is a typical little brown mushroom, and is easily
identifiable only by distinctive microscopic features.
"Little brown mushroom" (or LBM) refers to any of a large number
of small, dull-coloured agaric species, with few macromorphological
uniquely distinguishing characteristics.[2] As a result, LBMs
typically range from difficult to impossible for mushroom hunters
to identify. Experienced mushroomers may discern more subtle
identifying traits that help narrow the mushroom down to a
particular genus or group of species, but exact identification of
LBMs often requires close examination of microscopic
characteristics plus a certain degree of familiarity or
specialization in that particular group.
For mycologists, LBMs are the equivalent of LBJs ("little brown
job") and DYCs ("damned yellow composite") that are the bane of
ornithologists and botanists, respectively.
"Big white mushroom" (or BWM) is also sometimes used to describe
groups of difficult to identify larger and paler agarics, many of
which are in the genus Clitocybe.
Psychotropics[edit]
Psilocybe semilanceata is hunted for its psychotropic
properties.
For more details on this topic, see Psilocybin mushrooms.
The Amanita muscaria's psychotropic properties have been
traditionally used by shamans in Siberia in their rituals. However,
its use for such purposes today is very rare, despite the
mushroom's abundance. Instead, the Psilocybe semilanceata, being
the only psilocybin-containing mushroom common in Slavic countries,
is sought after for its hallucinogenic properties, the latter being
more desirable with fewer side effects than those of A. muscaria.
The use of P. semilanceata is however significantly hindered by its
small size, requiring larger quantities and being hard to spot.
Other Psilocybe species are abundant in the American south and
west, as well as Mexico, where they have been used by traditional
shamans for centuries. In the west, one can often find mushroom
pickers in cow pastures in a stereotypical stoop looking in the
grass for Psilocybes. This can be quite dangerous, as many species
grow in pastures and amateurs often misidentify Psilocybes.
Amanita muscaria (Мухомор Красный [Mukhomor Krasniy] - Red
Fly-Killer; Fly Agaric, Toadstool)
Psilocybe semilanceata (Псилоциба Сосочковидная [Psilotsiba
Sosochkovidnaya] - Nipple-Like Psylocybe; Liberty Cap)
Regional importance[edit]
Locals are selling mushrooms and berries collected in the
Dainava Forest, Lithuania
In the United States mushroom picking is popular in the
Appalachian area and on the west coast from San Francisco Bay
northward, in northern California, Oregon and Washington, and in
many other regions.[citation needed]
British enthusiasts today enjoy an extended average picking
season of 75 days compared to just 33 in the 1950s.[3]
In Slavic countries and Baltic countries, mushroom picking is a
common family activity. After a heavy rain during the mushroom
season whole families often venture into the nearest forest,
picking bucketfuls of mushrooms, which are cooked and eaten for
dinner upon return (mostly like omelette with eggs or fried on
butter) or alternatively dried or marinated for later
consumption.
Festivals[edit]
The popularity of mushroom picking in some parts of the world
has led to mushroom festivals. The festivals are usually between
September and October, depending on the mushrooms available in a
particular region. Festivals in North America include:
Aerie Resort on Vancouver Island-Great Fall Mushroom Hunt
Bamfield, Vancouver Island-Bamfield Mushroom festival [1]
Boyne City, Michigan-Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival
[2]
Buena Vista, Colorado-Buena Vista Heritage's Mushroom
Festival
Washington's Long Beach Peninsula-Wild Mushroom Celebration
Lake Quinault Lodge in Washington's Olympic National
Forest-Quinault Rain Forest Mushroom Festival
Mendocino County (North of San Francisco)--Mushroom Festival
Madisonville, Texas-Mushroom Festival [3]
Telluride, Colorado-Fungifest [4]
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania-Mushroom Festival
Girdwood, Alaska-Fungus Fair
Muscoda, Wisconsin-Morel Mushroom Festival
Eugene, Oregon-Mushroom Festival
Richmond, Missouri-Mushroom Festival
Radiation[edit]
Nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl disaster is an important
issue concerning mushroom picking in Europe. Due to the wide spread
of their mycelium, mushrooms tend to accumulate more radioactive
caesium-137 than surrounding soil and other organisms. State
agencies (e.g. Bellesrad in Belarus) monitor and analyze the degree
of radionuclide accumulation in various wild species of plants and
animals. In particular, Bellesrad claims that Svinushka (Paxillus
ssp.), Maslenok (Suillus ssp.), Mokhovik (Xerocomus ssp.), and
Horkushka (Lactarius rufus) are the worst ones in this respect. The
safest one is Opyonok Osyenniy (Armillaria mellea). See also:
Russian joke.
This is an issue not only in Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and
Russia: the fallout also reached western Europe, and until recently
the German government discouraged people gathering certain
mushrooms.
Guidelines for mushroom picking[edit]
Poisonous mushrooms commonly confused with edible ones[edit]
See also: Mushroom poisoning#Poisonous species and List of
deadly fungi
Many mushroom guidebooks call attention to similarities between
species, especially significant if an edible species is similar to,
or commonly confused with, one that is potentially harmful.
Examples:
False chanterelles (Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca), as the name
suggests, can look like real chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius)
to the inexperienced eye. The latter do not have sharp gills, but
rather blunt veins on the underside. Misidentification in this case
is not likely to prove significantly dangerous, as false
chanterelles are considered edible, but unpleasant tasting. Mild
symptoms have reported from consuming them.[4] Conversely, the Jack
O'Lantern Mushroom is often mistaken for a chanterelle, and it is
potently toxic.
True morels are distinguished from false morels (Gyromitra spp.
and Verpa spp.). False morels have caps attached at the top of the
stalk, while true morels have a honeycombed cap and a single,
continuous hollow chamber within.
Immature Chlorophyllum molybdites can be confused with edible
Agaricus mushrooms.
Immature puffballs are generally edible, but care must be taken
to avoid species such as Scleroderma citrinum and immature
Amanitas. These can be identified by cutting a puffball in half and
looking for a dark reticulated gleba or the articulated,
nonhomogenous structures of a gilled mushroom, respectively.
Highly poisonous Conocybe filaris and some Galerina species can
resemble Psilocybe, and the species are observed growing alongside
each other. Psilocybe species are not deadly but contain the
alkaloids psilocybin and psilocin, known to cause hallucinogenic
effects; therefore it is often sought for use as a recreational
psychedelic drug.
Eating poisonous species[edit]
There are treatments to reduce or eliminate the toxicity of
certain (but not all) poisonous species to the point where they may
be edible.[5] For instance, false morels are deadly poisonous when
eaten raw or incorrectly prepared, but their toxins can be reduced
by a proper method of parboiling. Prepared in this way, this
mushroom is widely used and considered a delicacy in the
Scandinavian countries, although recent research suggests that
there may still be long-term health consequences from eating
it.[5]
Commonly gathered mushrooms[edit]
Commonly gathered species, grouped by their order taxa, are as
follows: Mushroom species mentioned in each group are listed at the
end of the paragraph using the following convention: Latin name
(common English names, if any).
Agaricaceae[edit]
The Macrolepiota genus, usually the Macrolepiota procera, and,
to a lesser extent, the M. rhacodes are highly regarded, especially
in Europe, being very palatable and very large, with specimens of
M. procera as high as 1 metre being reported.
Agaricus bisporus also known as the table or button mushroom.
Sales of this mushroom in 1996 reached $209 million in Canada.[6]
Another well known mushroom known as the portobello is a large
brown strain of this fungus.
Coprinus comatus (Shaggy Ink Cap) decomposes into ink, and hence
must be prepared soon after picking and only young specimens should
be collected. While being a general mushroom hunting guideline, the
avoidance of specimens growing in areas with high pollution is
especially important with this family, as it is a very effective
pollutant absorber.
Macrolepiota procera (The Parasol Mushroom)
Amanitaceae[edit]
While the family of Amanitas should be approached with extreme
caution, as it contains the lethal Amanita phalloides and Amanita
virosa, those confident in their skills often pick the Amanita
rubescens, which is highly prized in Europe and to a much lesser
extent in Russia, accounted by some not to superior taste, but to
its relation to the Amanita caesarea, which is not found in Russia,
but was considered a delicacy worthy of the emperor in Ancient
Rome.
Amanita rubescens (European blusher)
Amanita caesarea (Caesar's Mushroom)
Boletaceae[edit]
A collection of Boletus edulis
This order is often viewed as the order of "noble" mushrooms,
containing few poisonous species, identifiable with relative ease,
and having superior palatability. The most notable species is the
Boletus edulis, the "mushroom king", a beautiful, almost legendary,
relatively rare mushroom, edible in almost any (even raw) form, and
commonly considered the best-tasting mushroom.[citation needed]
(Note: Do not confuse the Russian name, literally "white mushroom",
with Champignons, often known in English as "white mushrooms".)
Boletus edulis (Hřib Smrkový, Borowik szlachetny, Porcino, King
Bolete, Cep, Steinpilz)
The Leccinum family includes two well-known mushroom species
named after the trees they can usually be found next to. The
Leccinum aurantiacum (as well as the Leccinum versipelle), found
under aspen trees, and the Leccinum scabrum (as well as the L.
holopus), found under birch trees. The secondary mentioned species,
are significantly different in cap colour only. Both types are very
sought after, being highly palatable and beautiful, while more
common than the B. edulis.
Leccinum aurantiacum (Red-capped scaber stalk)
Leccinum scabrum (Birch bolete)
The Suillus family, characterised by its slimy cap, is another
prized mushroom, the Suillus luteus and Suillus granulatus being
its most common varieties, and while abundant in some parts of
Eurasia, is a rare occurrence in others. It is easy to identify and
very palatable.
Suillus (Klouzek, The Slippery Jack, Butter Mushroom)
The Xerocomus genus is generally considered a less desirable
(though mostly edible) mushroom group, due to common abundant mould
growth on their caps, which can make them poisonous. The Xerocomus
badius, however is an exception, being moderately sought after,
especially in Europe. Note that some scientific classifications now
consider species in the Xerocomus genus as members of Boletus.
Xerocomus (Mossiness Mushroom)
Xerocomus badius (Hřib Hnědý)
Cantharellaceae[edit]
Chanterelles
The Cantharellus cibarius, a common and popular mushroom,
especially in Europe, is a choice edible and unique mushroom. It is
very rarely infested by worms or larvae, has a unique appearance,
and when rotting, the decomposed parts are easily distinguishable
and separable from those that are edible.
Cantharellus cibarius (Chanterelle, Yellow Chanterelle,
Pfifferling)
Helvellaceae[edit]
The Gyromitra esculenta is considered poisonous, but can be
consumed if dried and stored for over a year, according to Slavic
literature, and can be used to supplement or replace morel (see
Morchellaceae below) mushrooms, while Western literature claims
that even the fumes of the mushroom are dangerous. It is similar to
morels both in appearance and palatability.
Gyromitra esculenta (False Morel, Beefsteak morel, Lorchel)
Morchellaceae[edit]
A basket of morels
The Morel, Morchella esculenta is highly prized in Western
Europe, India and North America. It is significantly less prized in
Slavic countries where, like the Gyromitra esculenta, is considered
marginally edible with mediocre palatability. Boiling the mushroom
and discarding the water is often recommended.
Morchella esculenta (Morel, Yellow morel)
Lactarius[edit]
Members of the genus Lactarius, as the name suggests, lactate a
milky liquid when wounded and are often scoffed upon by Western
literature. The Lactarius deliciosus is however regarded as one of
the most palatable mushrooms in Slavic culture, comparable to the
Boletus edulis. Also considered as similarly palatable are the
species Lactarius necator and particularly Lactarius resimus.
Thermal treatment may however be necessary in some cases. Slightly
less appealing due to its bitter taste is the Lactarius
pubescens.
Lactarius deliciosus (Saffron Milk-Cap)
Lactarius resimus (Pepper Cap)
Lactarius necator (Black Pepper Cap)
Lactarius pubescens (Wooly Milk-Cap)
Russulaceae[edit]
The Russula family includes over 750 species and is one of the
most common and abundant mushrooms in Eurasia. Their cap colours
include red, brown, yellow, blue and green and can be easily
spotted. The Russula vesca species, one of the many red-capped
varieties, is one of the most common, is reasonably palatable and
can be eaten raw. The edible Russulas have a mild taste, compared
to many inedible/poisonous species that have a strong hot or bitter
taste. The Russula emetica (The Sickener) is known to cause
gastrointestinal upset and has a very hot taste when a small bit is
placed on the tongue. Due to their abundance they are however often
regarded as an inferior mushroom for hunting. Note that mushrooms
should not be eaten raw without proper cleaning and removal of all
insects and decay.
Russula vesca (Russula)
Tricholomataceae[edit]
Armillaria (The Honey Mushroom, Shoestring Rot). The genus
Armillaria, with the popular species A. gallica and A. mellea,
being so similar that they are rarely differentiated, are
palatable, highly abundant mushrooms. Generally found on decaying
tree stumps, they grow in very large quantities and are easy to
spot and identify, arguably reducing the fun and challenge in
mushroom hunting.
Pleurotus ostreatus (The Oyster Mushroom). It is the most
commonly picked tree-dwelling mushroom and is often also
artificially cultivated for sale in grocery stores. This sturdy
mushroom can be quite palatable when young. Growing these mushrooms
at home can be a profitable enterprise and some Russians engage in
the activity.
Matsutake, the highly sought-after pine mushroom, found in
coniferous forests in Hiroshima in autumn
Tricholoma matsutake - = syn. T. nauseosum, the rare red pine
mushroom that has a very fine aroma. Its undeniable fragrance is
both sweet and spicy. They grow under trees and are usually
concealed under fallen leaves and/or the duff layer. It forms a
symbiotic relationship with the roots of a limited number of tree
species. In Japan it is most commonly associated with Japanese Red
Pine. However in the Pacific Northwest it is found in coniferous
forests of Douglas fir, Noble fir, sugar pine, and Ponderosa pine.
Farther south, it is also associated with hardwoods, namely Tanoak
and Madrone forests. The Pacific Northwest and other similar
temperate regions along the Pacific Rim also hold great habitat
producing these and other quality wild mushrooms. In 1999, N.
Bergius and E. Danell reported that Swedish (Tricholoma nauseosum)
and Japanese matsutake (T. matsutake) are the same species. The
report aroused the import from Northern Europe to Japan because of
the comparable flavor and taste. Matsutake are difficult to find
and are therefore very expensive. Moreover, domestic productions of
Matsutake in Japan have been sharply reduced over the last fifty
years due to a pine nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, and it has
influenced the price a great deal. The annual harvest of Matsutake
in Japan has since further decreased. The price for Matsutake in
the Japanese market is highly dependent on quality, availability
and origin. The Japanese Matsutake at the beginning of the season,
which is the highest grade, can go up to $2000 per kilogram, while
the average value for imported Matsutake from China, Europe, and
the United States is only about $90 per kilogram.[7]
The Tricholoma magnivelare is a prized mushroom in North
America. British Columbia exports large quantities of this mushroom
overseas to Asia where it is in high demand.[8]
See also[edit]
Portal iconFungi portal
Portal iconEnvironment portal
Edible mushroom
Medicinal mushrooms
Mushroom poisoning
References[edit]
Jump up ^ Ho, Marco H. K.; Hill, David J. (2006). "White button
mushroom food hypersensitivity in a child". Journal of Paediatrics
and Child Health 42 (9): 555-556.
doi:10.1111/j.1440-1754.2006.00922.x.
Jump up ^ IMA Glossary: LBM
Jump up ^ Gange, A. C.; Gange, E. G.; Sparks, T. H.; Boddy, L.
(2007). "Rapid and recent changes in fungal fruiting patterns".
Science 317 (5821): 71. doi:10.1126/science.1137489.
Jump up ^ Arora, David. Mushrooms Demystified. Ten Speed Press,
1986
Jump up ^ Michael W. Beug, Marilyn Shaw, and Kenneth W. Cochran.
Thirty plus Years of Mushroom Poisoning: Summary of the
Approximately 2,000 Reports in the NAMA Case Registry.
Jump up ^ Hans E. Gruen
Jump up ^ Finding and Preparing The Elusive Matsutake
Mushroom
Jump up ^ Tom Volk's Fungus of the Month for September 2000
Further reading[edit]
Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada
(2009) ISBN 978-1-55643-795-3 (1-55643-795-1)
Edible Wild Mushrooms of North America: A Field-to-kitchen Guide
(1992) ISBN 978-0-292-72080-0
Mushrooms of Northeastern North America (1997) ISBN
0-8156-0388-6
All That the Rain Promises, and More (1991) ISBN
0-89815-388-3
Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi
(1986) ISBN 0-89815-169-4
100 Edible Mushrooms: With Tested Recipes(2007) ISBN
0-472-03126-0
North American Mushrooms: A Field Guide to Edible and Inedible
Fungi (2006) ISBN 0-7627-3109-5
How to Identify Edible Mushrooms (2007) ISBN 0-00-725961-1
Mushrooming Without Fear (2007) ISBN 1-60239-160-2
The Mushroom Rainbow: Only the most delicious or deadly
mushrooms sorted by color (2011) ISBN 978-0-9869409-0-3
(0986940909)
External links[edit]
The Mushroom Forager
Interactive mushroom key (www.mycokey.com)
Bill O'Dea Mushroom hunts and festivals in Ireland, Europe and
Turkey
Mushroom-collecting.com - A Maine and New England Edible and
Medicinal Mushroom Resource
Polish Mushroom Hunters Club - Photos, Find reports etc.
Morel Mushroom Discussion Forum
David Fischer's AmericanMushrooms.com
Current Mushroom Find Reports With Photos
Mushroom descriptive fields
List of North American Mycological Societies
A finnish amateur site with photos (partly in English)
A mushroom and fungi identification site; mainly for the
Southern part of the UK.
Fungi of Kaluga region (Russian) - Site of Russian mushroom
hunter with a lot of photos (with titles in English).
Mushrooms found in continental climate areas of Russia
(Russian)
MushroomExpert.com
Czech amateur site with photos (Czech)
Mushroom Cultivation
Bamfield Mushroom Festival
Madisonville Mushroom Festival
Telleride Mushroom Festival
Canadian Government Mushroom Picking Site
Current Mushroom Hunting Reports