Quote:
Originally Posted by BarbaraEmma  Would you suggest that next time I find a fungus to be identified I pick it ?
I was a bit loathe to touch something which I knew nothing about.I expect you mycologists go armed with the right equipment.  Barbara |
Yes, our fingers
. You and the fungus can't come to much harm with just picking unless they are growing out of something pretty nasty (or you are on one of the NNRs that have byelaws that prohibit picking). Just don't eat them unless you are sure of what they are! And a small knife is useful to get the base out, as the base might have important features for id. Then gently firm the ground back down to minimise disturbance to the mycelium in the ground. To really see the details and/or photograph the gills you do need to get up close, and unless you enjoy being on hands and knees it is often much easier to pick. And leave a few for others to find!
Melanie