Please help with identification

sidjoloo · #1 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 07:20 PM

I have recently posted this requested, but not sure what i did wrong as it has been removed? I'm new to this so if I am looking in the wrong palce, could someone advise where on the forum I should be looking?

We have found some lovely looking mushrooms at the edge of our drive. it is a bit of a holly and yew coppice on a high gradient. There are lots at various stages of growth, from button to open cap. There is very little grass cover, but lots of wet leaves, and little sunshine during the day, although it is quite exposed.

Can anyone tell us what these mushrooms are?

We have cut and crushed them, there is only a mushroomy smell and no staining.

Thanks for your help.

BROCSMAN · #2 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 07:34 PM

First of all welcome to WAB. It is a great place to learn about fungi and how to identify them.

I don't know why your posting has been removed without any explanation, but can I suggest that you go to the main forum page, and look at the "sticky" about edibility.

It is very difficult to identify fungus at the best of times, but doing so with only a photograph is even more so, and the advice is never to think about eating any fungus unless you are absolutely certain it is what you think it is. This is often impossible to determine from a photo.

People who use this forum are very reluctant to offer suggestions about identification if the request comes from someone who mentions edibility. We don't want anyone to make a mistake that could be fatal.

I hope you can still enjoy the discussions you find here.

fairplay · #3 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 07:36 PM

Hello Sidjoloo,

Welcome to WAB, it is possible you had a bit of a problem because of the wording of your post. May I draw your attention to the second Sticky on the list of threads.
If you tactfully re-word your post, you will receive more responses.
Do remember though that some people, myself included, have reservations in identifying fungi just so that it can be scoffed down.

Neil.

Kayleigh · #4 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 08:04 PM

You did ask is it edible that is a big no no..
WAB has a rule this question it not to be asked and will not be answered for obvious reasons.

sidjoloo · #5 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 09:23 PM

Ahh I see the issue, I understand that the "edibility" of anything can never be assured. One might consider that peanuts are edible, but for some people, that would not be the case.

I think the type of mushroom is agaricus, but not sure of type, if anyone has any other methods of identification, I would be grateful. I have looked on all sorts of websites and its very difficult to get an exact match with the photos.

Ditiola · #6 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 10:36 PM

Hi Sidjoloo

And all newcomers to mycology

The big problem is that there are over 3000 of the 'Larger Fungi' in the UK and only a very small percentage can be identified accurately from a photograph. You will need to read lots of books, dissect and study all your finds in great detail, and also try to join a local fungus group if there is one in your area, and if you put in lots of hard work you should after a few years be able to identify most of the common fungi. If you buy a microscope and dedicate your whole life to mycology then you may be able to identify many more species, and also then realise the limitation of photographs in fungal identification. I do not want to put anyone off mycology as it’s a fascinating subject, but like most things you have to put a lot in to get something out. You will find various threads on WAB recommending books to obtain, so you can start reading and disecting as soon as possible.

Peter

fairplay · #7 (**permalink**) 28-11-2009, 11:01 PM

So I'm afraid Agaricus sp. is as far as you are likely to get in this case, but regarding peanuts, true, a lot of people cannot eat them as they are allergic, but there is the added risk of mycotoxins in the peanuts for those that do eat them.
By far the worst is Aspergillus flavus, more commonly known as Aflatoxin (A.fla-toxin)
Luckily it does not thrive in this country, but a small amount still comes through on imported foodstuffs (causes liver cancer)

Just to prove I'm trying to be helpful (to stave off criticism)

Neil.

Ditiola · #8 (**permalink**) 29-11-2009, 09:40 AM

Just to add: Although I am not able to talk about the 'E' word I think we should inform people who may not know, that there are some poisonous species of Agaricus.

I should also add to my above post; that as well as the 3,000 macro fungi there are around another 9,000 micro fungi, and ecologicaly these are just as important as the macro fungi, although most new-comers to the wonderful world of fungi usually ignore them completely just because they are small.

Peter