ID help requested for Plymouth fungi in deciduous plantation

pleb · #1 (**permalink**) 18-12-2011, 07:44 PM

Help for a fungus newbie trying to find his feet would be much appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation,

phil

fairplay · #2 (**permalink**) 18-12-2011, 08:36 PM

I'd be inclined to say these be Mycena inclinata.
Clustered, slanting growth, white at the stem apex, increasingly reddish brown further down the stem, and occurrence on wood all point to this.

Neil.

pleb · #3 (**permalink**) 18-12-2011, 09:17 PM

Thanks Neill,

That was very useful and helpful. At this stage of the learning curve, I am quite content to know the genus and some indication of what the species might possibly be. I have Sterry & Hughes and Roger Phillips to help me and at present I just want to learn how to recognise the main fungi groups.

I am used to using keys for flowering plants and feel bereft without one for fungi.

phil

fairplay · #4 (**permalink**) 18-12-2011, 10:12 PM

If you can get your hands on a copy of The Encyclopedia of Fungi by Michael Jordan, there is a key to genus which you should find useful.

This, his revised book, was printed in 2004, so some of the names of fungi would have changed by now, but that is no big problem as most people will know what you mean.

Alternatively, you could wait a few more months to see what Steffan Buczacki's new book is going to come up with.

Neil.

pleb · #5 (**permalink**) 19-12-2011, 03:52 AM

Thanks Neil,

I see Amazon sell paperback copies of the book you mention for just over £10 so I think I might treat myself for Christmas.

I have always found that keys, as well as being fun to use like solving a maths problem, draw your attention to the important differences needed for identification and make it necessary for you to look closely at what you are studying. And, of course, to use a key you have to become familiar with the technical terms.

Phil

MattPrince · #6 (**permalink**) 19-12-2011, 05:31 PM

Hello Phil,

If you haven't discovered them already there is quite an active and friendly mycology section of the Devonshire Association, who foray regularly and have the odd microscope sessions as well.

Sadly the next forays aren't till next year though !

Cheers,
Matt

pleb · #7 (**permalink**) 20-12-2011, 08:06 AM

Hello Matt,

I should have guessed that some DA members were also WAB members! Lack of transport is my big problem. I usually manage to get to some of the higher plants field trips as Bob Hodgson is very good at offering me lifts. In past years, I have been to several Fungus Forays with Jeff Benn but missed this year's unfortunately.

As a newbie, I am really just feeling my way but would like to be able to identify the common fungi eventually. I want to put fungi photos on my blog but can't ask WAB to identify each one for me. So I am hoping to be able to learn how to recognise fungi to genus level as my immediate goal.

Phil

MattPrince · #8 (**permalink**) 21-12-2011, 12:11 PM

Hello Phil,

Transport is an increasing problem - even for those of us with cars - sadly I don't know of any active members from Plymouth at the moment.

Id to genus is a good goal - I've been interest in fungi for quite a while but still find many fungi where I look at them and think 'what the heck is that', even on a generic level.

You might want to have a look at Mycokey, though it might not suite you if you prefer a more traditional dichotomous key approach.

Cheers,
Matt

pleb · #9 (**permalink**) 21-12-2011, 01:36 PM

Hello Matt,

I've had a quick look at MycoKey and it looks impressive. I must try it out on a fungus and see how I get on. I was a bit confused by the talk of paying for a license but I assume the basic Mycokey is free online?

I was looking for fungi yesterday in the woods at Ivybridge close to the town in the Erme Valley. Very sheltered like a ravine with plenty of fungi to see. I found a Ganoderma sp which Ditiola has been helping me sort out and making me see my limitations. G.applanatum or G. australe.....I am happy just to have narrowed it down to the two.

Seems crazy that a big city like Plymouth has not more people active in DA Natural History sections but it is true for the higher plants as well.

Phil

MattPrince · #10 (**permalink**) 21-12-2011, 06:00 PM

I think its free to trial, but you are meant to pay for it if you use it for a length of time. It comes free with the awesome (currently out of print) fungi nordica.

To be honest that pair is not a simple one - ganoderma australe vs ganoderma applanatum - so you are in at the deep end there!

Does seem odd - must be someone active in the Plymouth environs!

Cheers,
Matt