identifying fungi from photos

[eeyore]

I went to a talk last night by Alan Outen - supposedly one of the foremost mycologists in the uk - or so he tells us. very interesting and not as heavy duty as i thought it might be

anyway one thing he said was that it was "categorically impossible to definitively identify fungi from photos of them" and I just wondered what you folks's take on that was since it is something we do quite a lot on here ?

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I went to a talk last night by Alan Outen - supposedly one of the foremost mycologists in the uk - or so he tells us. very interesting and not as heavy duty as i thought it might be

anyway one thing he said was that it was "categorically impossible to definitively identify fungi from photos of them" and I just wondered what you folks's take on that was since it is something we do quite a lot on here ?

I absolutely agree Pete.

Irrespective of how good photographs are, they are by no means the primary identification method. All too often images are compared with others found in books or websites …. This together with some claims of “Experts” prompted the “Read me first” thread.

Smell is the second most important identification record after photography in order to identify species. Although we can't 'record' this characteristic there are many smells associated with fungi. Whilst some just smell 'mushroomy' or mealy some species smell of potatoes, radishes, geraniums, fruits, coal gas, sulphur, curry, rotting meat, mouse pee.... the list goes on and on!

Like smell, there are many tastes associated with fungi. The genus Russula for example are noted for their taste. They may taste hot, mild or bitter.

About 80% of fungi are associated with trees because they are linked into the tree root system. This association benefits both the fungi and the trees. This particular type of association between fungi and the roots of plants such as trees is known as a mycorrhizal association. Note also that sand dunes are home to a specialised group of fungi.

It’s the mycorrhizal association which holds the key in many species. A good Mycologist will often be able to identify 95% of what they find (certainly to genus level). Further microscopic / chemical analysis would allow positive identification / or elimination.

Talking of ‘keys’ This is by far the best approach in identifying species. Most good fungi reference books will include ‘keys’ to help with identification (Do be aware though …there are exceptions!). The British Mycological Society website Resources - British Mycological Society

Provides extensive help regarding the use of keys.

…… A good valid point Pete and well worth reminding all, that photographs are not the full picture! Sorry I couldn't resist it

Glad you found the talk interesting.

John

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by FungiJohn

I
Talking of ‘keys’ This is by far the best approach in identifying species. Most good fungi reference books will include ‘keys’ to help with identification (Do be aware though …there are exceptions!).

alan outen also told us about one supposedly "definitive" book that was released in the early 80s which had its photographic plates transposed meaning that the picture of the death cap was in the edible fungi section - needless to say that was pulled from sale pretty quick but you shudder to think that there might still be copies at large out there in second hand book land

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by eeyore

alan outen also told us about one supposedly "definitive" book that was released in the early 80s which had its photographic plates transposed meaning that the picture of the death cap was in the edible fungi section - needless to say that was pulled from sale pretty quick but you shudder to think that there might still be copies at large out there in second hand book land

Did he say which book it was? Handy to know if we use that book as reference!

Kerry

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Kerry

Did he say which book it was? Handy to know if we use that book as reference!

Kerry

he did but i cant remember - there was so much info in the talk that a lot of it went straight over my head.

i think the key point is not to rely soley on one book for refference and to make sure that your books are as up to date as possible.

I actually know very little about fungi as my interest only extends to them as photographic subjects (though i am trying to expand my knowledge hence going to the talk) but i am sure our FJ as our resident funguy can give you some reccomdeations if you want them

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by eeyore

he did but i cant remember - there was so much info in the talk that a lot of it went straight over my head.

i think the key point is not to rely soley on one book for refference and to make sure that your books are as up to date as possible.

I actually know very little about fungi as my interest only extends to them as photographic subjects (though i am trying to expand my knowledge hence going to the talk) but i am sure our FJ as our resident funguy can give you some reccomdeations if you want them

I do have a couple of books on fungi but fortunately at the moment I am completely off eating them. I remember years ago when a friend gave me a bag of mushrooms that he had collected (half for me, half for him). I put mine straight in the fridge without checking; he went home and had his for tea. As soon as I opened mine I realised that they weren't the edible variety that he had assumed but were in fact Yellow Stainers. I rang him immediately but too late as he had eaten the lot. He was fortunate in that he was one of the people that wasn't affected by their poison. One of the books that I do have is by Roger Phillips.

Kerry

[FungiJohn]

Originally Posted by Kerry

I do have a couple of books on fungi but fortunately at the moment I am completely off eating them. I remember years ago when a friend gave me a bag of mushrooms that he had collected (half for me, half for him). I put mine straight in the fridge without checking; he went home and had his for tea. As soon as I opened mine I realised that they weren't the edible variety that he had assumed but were in fact Yellow Stainers. I rang him immediately but too late as he had eaten the lot. He was fortunate in that he was one of the people that wasn't affected by their poison. One of the books that I do have is by Roger Phillips.

Kerry

Hi Kerry

The Roger Phillips book is an excellent reference book. It is also complimented by the website:

Rogers Mushrooms | Mushroom Pictures & Mushroom Reference

which is based on Roger Phillips seminal work 'Mushrooms and other fungi of Great Britain and Europe' and the similar book published on the mushrooms and Fungi of North America.

In my opinion a good book to look at in terms of safely identifying edible wild mushrooms is Patrick Harding's - Need to know? Mushroom Hunting.

However, it very important that any mushrooms collected are fresh and you are 100% certain of their identity.

My advice to anyone would be to look up fungi groups in your area (a quick Google should provide sufficient details) and to join them on a local foray. You will learn so much in the presence of a trained mycologist.

One final point for when you do pick fungi for consumption ..... I would keep two samples in reserve. One for the hospital and the other for the Coroner … just in case Seriously though, one should always reserve a sample .... It could save your life!

Happy Hunting

John