Is this an Oysterling

[waxcap]

Hi

This was growing on my lawn. It seems to have a bit missing in the centre. It was unusual (to me) as it looked like an oysterling with the offset stem but was growing from the lawn. The very short stem didn't seem to be attached to a root. It was about 3cm across and there is a Maple tree and an Oak tree within a few metres.

Here's a front and back shot. I know it's not in great condition but I would appreciate any pointers.

many thanks

Dave

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by waxcap

Hi

This was growing on my lawn. It seems to have a bit missing in the centre. It was unusual (to me) as it looked like an oysterling with the offset stem but was growing from the lawn. The very short stem didn't seem to be attached to a root. It was about 3cm across and there is a Maple tree and an Oak tree within a few metres.

Here's a front and back shot. I know it's not in great condition but I would appreciate any pointers.

many thanks

Dave

hi

sorry, but I do hate these made-up English names at times

anyway, I think the most likely genus is Arrhenia - someone like Andreas or Ken will probably hone straight in; if it weren't for the rather well-formed gills I would suggest Arrhenia spathulata; A. acerosa has well-formed gills but in my experience looks different and occurs in different habitats

I may be off course, but that's my suggestion

cheers

Chris

[waxcap]

Many thanks for that Chris.

I see what you mean about common names. I didn't realise it's referred to as a "Moss Oytsterling" , I just thought it looked a bit like an Oysterling.

Thanks to your information I now know that Arrhenia is a genus of fungi that grow in association with photosynthetic cryptogams (mosses and algae) and belong to the Tricholomataceae family.

Regards

Dave

[FungiJohn]

Hi Dave

I think Chris might have been referring to the name 'Oysterling' itself.

Like many other ridiculous so called 'common' names given to fungi, they only cause confusion, are meaningless and often bear no relation to anything relating to the Genus involved.

Far better to practice and remember the Latin scientific name if possible. That way everyone knows what species is being described

John

[waxcap]

Hi John,

I think I get it. I thought it looked like an Oysterling. Chris gave me the correct genus. I looked it up and it's common name is "Moss Oysterling" but it's not a Crepidotus: it's not even a close relation; it's a Tricholomataceae.

Common names can be very unhelpful. But, you have to admit "The Big Blue Pinkgill" works better than "Entoloma bloxamii"

[FungiJohn]

Hi Dave

I still have problems with many Latin names and do have my own names which are often worse than the 'common name'

I always refer to the Vinegar Cup - Helvella acetabulum as The acetylene burner

I'll get my coat

John

[Chris Yeates]

firstly:

Originally Posted by waxcap

Chris gave me the correct genus.

It's not yet certain that I have . . . .

secondly:

Originally Posted by waxcap

. . . . . you have to admit "The Big Blue Pinkgill" works better than "Entoloma bloxamii"

but what would have been wrong with Bloxam's Pinkgill? (*) - he was a rather remarkable man and well worth commemorating - see:
Andrew Bloxam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

it works for Wilson's Petrel and Cetti's Warbler - and that way Entoloma bloxamii would make more sense

Chris

(*) (EDIT) I notice the Wikipedia does indeed call it that - or rather "Bloxam's Entoloma" so there are two vernacular names in circulation - very helpful!

[waxcap]

I like that:- "Bloxam's Pinkgill".

"Nos esse quasi nanos, gigantium humeris insidentes, ut possimus plura eis et remotiora videre, non utique proprii visus acumine, aut eminentia corporis, sed quia in altum subvenimur et extollimur magnitudine gigantea"

Dave

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by waxcap

I like that:- "Bloxam's Pinkgill".

"Nos esse quasi nanos, gigantium humeris insidentes, ut possimus plura eis et remotiora videre, non utique proprii visus acumine, aut eminentia corporis, sed quia in altum subvenimur et extollimur magnitudine gigantea"

Dave

Erm, language, children may be watching.

Neil.

[FungiJohn]

We have enough medieval historians on WAB already, just look in the treehouse