cutting/picking Fungi

[MartynA]

I'm curious about the difference between the situation as regards picking wild flowers and picking fungi.

Generally, disturbing or picking wild flowers is a no - no but I notice from a lot of the fungi pictures in the Gallery that some of the fungi have been picked and arranged to shown the underside.

Sorry if it's a very basic question... but being totally ignorant as regards fungi I'd appreciate it if someone could enlighten me as to the difference!

many thanks
Martyn

[mollisia]

Hello Martyn,

the great difference is, that what we call fungus or mushroom is in fact only the spore containing part of the "organism fungus". The main part is the mycelium, that means the "roots" that grow in the earth. You can compare that with an appletree: The mycelium is the roots, stem and twigs, whereas the mushroom-fruitbody can be compared to the apple. If you pick apples in a usual way, you don't harm the appletree. Same for fungi.
Picking of fungi has no effect on the production of fruitbodies throughout 25 and 30 years according to two studies made by dutch (25) and swiss (30) mycologists. But, I admit, it may have a negative effect for gaining new territories for a species when the fruitbodies are often picked in young stade. But usually the normal mushroom hunter never gets all fruitbodies of a species at his location in young stage. So I think the harm that we do when picking mushrooms can really compared to the harm we do when picking rasberries or something like that.

best regards,
Andreas

[Lancashire Lad]

I used to struggle with this concept too.

However, concensus has it that the picking of a fungus fruitbody for identification purposes will do about as much damage to the whole fungus as would the picking an apple from an apple tree. (The fruitbody is only the visible part, and the greater part of the fungus will be undergound or within whatever substrate it is growing in/on).

Regards,
Mike.

[MartynA]

Thanks for those replies. Makes perfect sense!!

martyn

[ron1863]

I understand the concept but still dislike picking them, I only ever pick one if there are several and only to get a shot of the gills. I much prefer seeing them in their natural habitat.

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I understand the concept but still dislike picking them, I only ever pick one if there are several and only to get a shot of the gills. I much prefer seeing them in their natural habitat.

But I presume you understand that to sufficiently conduce accurate research and identification, specimens must be collected for examination

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

But I presume you understand that to sufficiently conduce accurate research and identification, specimens must be collected for examination

I understand that Nick, it's just me, but if I get a microscope I will pick them, but reluctantly

[NickCantle]

Originally Posted by ron1863

I understand that Nick, it's just me, but if I get a microscope I will pick them, but reluctantly

No 'if', you will get one

[ron1863]

Originally Posted by NickCantle

No 'if', you will get one

I know