Sam's Corner
Third Quarter of 2005
Topics
The 4:1 Mycological Extravaganza
Peziza Extravaganza!
The 4:1 Mycological Extravaganza
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Cheryl, Kendra, Ted and Dorothy presented a remarkable program. Cheryl started the four ring mycological "circus" by describing seven species of fungi in the genus Hypomyces. This extraordinary fungus exists in two to three morphological and color changes. All the stages are parasitic on other fungi. All the early stages exist as imperfect stages = no sexual involvement. This non-sexual stage is given the name anamorph. Some species such as Hypomyces chrysospermus have two anamorphic stages. Stage 1 is very "cobwebby" and white in the genus Verticillium _____. Stage 2 is powdery and yellow with the name Sepodonium chrysospermus. This stage transforms into the sexual stage Hypomyces chrysospermus. (This sexual stage is also called the teleomorph.) See my Sam's Corner on page 30, 87, 97, 114, & 124 for a better understanding of this magical drama
I will mention one other species, Hypomyces lactifluorum. Known as the lobster. It parasitizes Russula brevipes and Lactarius piperatus. The imperfect anamorph stage has never been found. If you wish to pursue this fascinating drama, ask Cheryl St. Pierre for her handout.
Dorothy Spaulding did a great rendition on the genus Tricholoma. Let me tell you how you can recognize a Tricholoma in broad daylight. It reminds you of a Russula - has emarginated gills; stipe is central, firm, and fibrous; spore print is white or cream; some have a partial veil. If you are interested in more details ask Dot Spaulding to send her 2 pages handout. If you buy a copy of Sam's Corner there is a chart of 25 species in the book.
Ted Elliott did a superb job describing how he teaches his classes for beginners. Contact him if you wish to participate in his program. Kendra Bavor gave a wonderful demonstration on how she makes this marvelous art form on artist conk, Ganoderma applanatum. She brought 25 samples to amaze us by her skill. Everyone should buy one of her sketches.
Peziza Extravaganza!
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The lady from the video store called to tell me her shed was full of mushrooms When I arrived I saw the wonderment of 2004! The shed had a dirt floor and it was covered by a large tan Peziza. I counted 95 specimens; some were 5 inches in diameter. In the Swiss book on ascomycetes it keys out to Peziza domiciliana. The species name refers to its frequent appearance in domestic places such as sheds and cellars. If you look in Sam's Corner page 88, you will learn that I found this species in my cellar - listed as Peziza repanda. There were 23 specimens; one was 8" in diameter. The story also says I found it here in previous years growing around an old wet towel. What magic we have wrought!!
P.S. As I was collecting the specimens the lady noted a "misting" over the disturbed specimens. They were shooting spores!!