Help us to help you identify fungi
The more information you can provide the better the chance of identification. It should be pointed out however that even the most comprehensive descriptions will not enable some species to be identified correctly!
A good quality photograph showing the physical characteristics. This should ideally show:
Cap, stipe (or stem), ring, volva, gills, pores, teeth etc. If there are young and old fruit bodies nearby, photograph them too!
To help with photographing fungi see: Fungi Photography Guide | Wild About Britain
What size was the fungus (length of stem, thickness of stem and cap diameter
What it was growing on (substrate):
Beech (dead or live), trunk, log, branch, soil, leaves, acorns, burnt ground, other fungus etc
What was growing nearby?
Ash, Beech, Oak, Conifer, Pine, mixed woodland, herbs, grasses, other close fungi present etc
Does the fungus have a distinctive smell?
Some will only exhibit this on rubbing, cutting or bruising and even then it can be quite subjective
Colour
There are many different colours and individual species may exhibit different colours during their life cycle. Is there a colour change on touching parts of the fungus? How quick was the change in colour
Note the texture of the fungus:
There are many textures ranging from smooth and glossy through to rough and dull with every combination in between. Some are dry to the feel, some wet and some extremely slimy. As with colour many species exhibit different textures during their life cycle.
Taste
The Genus of Lactarius and especially Russula’s are noted for their taste or reaction! Chew a little on the tip of your tongue - spit it out then wait a few minutes. Is it hot, mild or bitter? Was it instant or over a period of time?
Note
You should not taste any fungus that you unsure of. Indeed, if you are not 100% certain of the species identity and their likely effects then leave them be!
Likewise, if you do take any fungi home for eating, ensure you have 3 samples
1 for yourself
1 for your Doctor
And 1 for the Coroner!
This is a serious thought and the consequences of false identification can be life threatening!
Microscopy
Many species will still require microscopy OR DNA to be correctly identified and some may be new species!
Starting a thread
Please use a proper title such as:
Unidentified bracket fungus found on Oak, Unknown Lactarius species etc
And not
What’s this, what’s this fungus, large blob on tree
And please remember … The word "fungi" (plural) and "fungus" (singular).
John
Hybrid Mode
