October 23, 2009 7:21 am
I knew the mushroom I harvested was Flammulina velutipes, but I still made a spore print and studied the details of the cap, underside and stem.
The consequence of making a mistake and collecting Galerina autumnalis are frightening.
One of the most compelling writers in the world of mycology is Dr. Tom Volk. Re-reading his words scared me witless. Here’s an excerpt from his article on Galerina autumnalis which set off an episode of self-doubt that kept me studying this for hours:
The toxin in Galerina (and in the death angels) is a relatively small protein of eight amino acids, a cyclopeptide called a-amanitin. . . . The a-amanitin ultimately affects the central nervous system and kidneys. Unlike many fungal toxins it does not cause symptoms right away. As long as 6-24 hours after ingestion there may be an early feeling of unease, followed by violent cramps and diarrhea. On the third day, there is a remission of symptoms, but this is a false remission. On the 4th to 5th day the enzymes increase, and liver and kidneys are severely affected. Death often follows if a liver transplant or other heroic measures are not performed.
Despite taking responsible steps in my field observation, this is a reminder to never let myself get sloppy when it comes to the “little brown mushrooms.”
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October 15, 2009 4:46 pm
We had a hard frost yesterday. It’s peak leaf season and it’s snowing. Under these conditions, it’s often difficult to convince Americans that climate change is a real issue. When fellow writer Janet Riehl asked me to contribute to her blog in honor of the call to action, I had no problem sharing my thoughts with her.
Most of the beech and birch trees are bare, but the maples range from golden to scarlet. Autumn in New York’s Hudson Valley is a beautiful time. But leafy boughs laden with snow are dangerous and often damage deciduous trees.
In spite of the unseasonable cold snap locally, there is irrefutable evidence of world-wide climate change, from melting polar ice caps, to extreme weather events – drought, flood, and intense storms.
I don’t know if the residents of the richest nation in the world with catch on before it’s too late. I hope so.
October 11, 2009 9:43 pm
The botanical name for this mushroom is Pholiota aurivella.
Being able to figure out, (using my Audubon guide), that this was a Pholiota species and Stropharia family member, gives me tremendous confidence.
Thanks to COMA member Dianna Smith I now know the genus.
Armed with that information, I can learn more about this viscid, but apparently edible mushroom with an unappetizing appearance.
October 2, 2009 9:31 am
I could not find this white mushroom with attached gills in any of my field guides in book form:
Without COMA I would have been struggling for days to figure this out. I had not planned to attend the joint CVMS-COMA event. But this one-day foray, may finally have narrowed the possibilities.
I love the metaphor I learned at the COMA foray. Mushrooms, like people have their childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age, with accompanying changes in appearance. I sure do not look like my kindergarten photo – or even my wedding photo, for that matter.
Can you figure out what this mushroom is?
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