Question

I know that mushrooms identification is a difficult process. but I would like to ask for help in the identification of this one. It growth over the grass in a backyard on Toronto, Canada. This is most likely a member of the genusPanaeolus, based on the black spore print (distinguishing fromPsilocybeandConocybe), growth in grass (distinguishing fromPsathyrellaandNaematoloma), small stature and thin stem, bell-shaped cap, brown cap and gills, and lack of a ring on the stalk (David Arora,Mushrooms Demystified). The gills in the photo appear mottled to me, which is a diagnostic feature. Unfortunately, species in this genus are especially difficult to identify. Michael Kuo writes onMushroomexpert.com: Beyond a few "easy" species, identification inPanaeolusrequires microscopic examination, a good interlibrary loan desk, and the ability to read French and German. Panaeolus foeniseciiis a common member of this genus with macroscopic characteristics that match your specimens (seeMushroomexpert.comandMykoWebfor detailed descriptions). The cap in this species changes color when waterlogged, which would be worth noting if you see it again. However, I am unsure of this ID without microscopic observation. Panaeolus foenisecii. Image: Michael Kuo,Mushroomexpert.Com.

Answer 1

In mushroom identification, particular focus is placed on structures like gills or pores where basidiospores are produced and released. Observing these features under light microscopy aids in distinguishing different species, while knowledge of their ecological roles and preferred substrates is also vital. The subject matter relates to the biology of Basidiomycota fungi.

Step-by-step explanation:

The identification of mushrooms involves understanding both their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Mushrooms are part of the phylum Basidiomycota, often known as club fungi. Common mushrooms, like the Agaricus bisporus, display their spores on gills, while polypore fungi produce spores in pores. The King Boletus is an example of a mushroom with pores, highly prized as an edible species.

Basidiospores are a critical reproductive feature of these fungi. They are produced on the basidium and typically released through a specialized mechanism involving gills or pores. In the case of gilled fungi, light microscopy can reveal the basidiospores lining the gills. For polypores, the spores are shed through numerous cylindrical pores.

Fruiting bodies, such as those of Agaricus or polypore fungi, like the artist's conk (Ganoderma applanatum), differ in structure but both are essential for the reproductive stage in a mushroom's life cycle. This stage is more conspicuous than the vegetative stage of mycelial growth whereby slender hyphae weave together to form a network.