#78 “TMC” Copyright 2008 ISSN: 1078-4314
For April 2008 $15.00
The Journal of Mushroom Cultivation (TMC)
The Official Mushroom Journal for the “Independent
Mushroom Grower’s Network” (IMGN)
To learn more about IMGN, see www.mushroomsfmrc.com/gpage2.html, or write to FMRC to get complete information on this old and unique mushroom association…many valuable benefits.
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____ This is a "RESTRICTED" Issue. It contains all spore prints and photographs.
___ This is a "NON-RESTRICTED" Issue. It contains no mushroom spore prints.
___ This is a "REPRINT"/"Photo Copy" Issue. It may not contain prints or pictures. Published by:
Florida Mycology Research Center (FMRC)
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EDITORS: You the reader
5,000 IMGN Members
Marshall E. Deutsch: Articles Taken from "The Bulletin Of
The Boston Mycological Club” and other recent references
to fungi encountered during the editor’s quotidian activities
Mushroom News by Ross Nagot
Cooking Editor: Robin Arnold
Chief Editor: Stephen L. Peele, Curator FMRC
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The world’s only color Mushroom Journal that comes with actual “Live Mushroom Spore Print Samples” affixed inside. Held safe inside a small sealed plastic envelope.
C O N T E N T S
#78 "THE MUSHROOM CULTURE"
The Journal of Mushroom Cultivation, April 2008
Subscription and other Journal Information...............................01
Submitting Spore Samples for This Journal...............................02
Mushroom Spore Print sample Agaricus bisporus #SO22…….03
Win A Year's Free Subscription To "TMC"..............................05
Mail Call....................................................................................05
"Working With Amanita Muscaria Mycelium"...................05
Testing Species of Galerina ................................................06
The Fascinating World of Cystidia.......................................07
Mycology in the Media..............................................................09
Vitamin D, Shiitake Mushrooms high on the list..................10
Dandruff Fungus..................................................................10
Truffles................................................................................10
The Chytrid fungus devastating amphibians........................11
Infected ants..........................................................................11
Lethal fungal infection........................................................11
Lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug..............................12
Ross Nagot.................................................................................12
Missing Evolutionary Link Found........................................12
VLASIC CONSIDERING A SALE OF ITS .......................13
MUSHROOM BUSINESS
New Mushroom-Infused Water............................................13
Unique fungal collection.......................................................15
Virus-Producing Fungus Missing from Laboratory……......16
Fungus Years?.......................................................................17
Point Reyes Fair Puts The 'Fun' Back In Fungi………..…..17
Toxins Get Blame For Sexual Development In Girls...........18
FUNGUS HELPING TREE OF LIFE..................................18
Deadly fungus spreading.......................................................18
Fungus Find Puts Forest On The Map...................................19
Mushrooms Boosts Efficacy of Cancer Drugs......................19
Cornell Mushroom Blogs on Deadly Amanita......................20
Online Database For All Creatures........................................20
News on Supplements & Nutrition........................................21
Fungus Found Eats Harmful Radiation................................21
U.N. Warns Wheat-Producing Deadly Fungus………….....22
Secrets of Tree Relationships................................................22
Illegal mushroom-growing operation....................................23
Why Mushroom Mycelium Degenerates and Dies………........23
Cooking With Mushrooms.......................................................24
Making Your Own "Inoculating" Plugs.....................................25
Allergic Reactions from "Chicken of The Woods"....................25
Barley - How to Prepare Sterile Chambers................................25
Ben Woo passes on....................................................................25
CA Residents & Others Making Spore Orders..........................26
CULTURE FLASK..................................................................26
Color Photograph Coprinus radians...........................................27
"The Gospel of Mushrooms" CD-ROM....................................28
MUSHROOM QUIZ "MQ"......................................................29
Subscription Sale with CD-ROM..............................................29
CONGRATULATIONS, Free TMC Subscriptions…………..29
#78 TMC April 2008 Page a Copyrighted Material
Mushroom Journal Subscriptions: If you would like to order a subscription to “THE MUSHROOM CULTURE”, you may send request and payment of $30.00 made out to FMRC, POB 18105, Pensacola, FL. 32523, for one year. To order a Journal Subscription online, email FloridaMycology@cs.com and make your request. Give the postal address and name you would like the “Hard Copy” subscription sent to. We will bill you later.
Copyright Information: This Journal is Copyrighted under International Law, and all said laws apply. Any material that finds its way into this Journal, and it has already been copyrighted elsewhere, retains original Copyright. Authors and photographers who submit material in this Journal are not restricted from using their work, or the sale thereof. Persons may reprint or transmit this document, only in its complete and original form. No parts, articles, photographs, or any other partial pieces may be removed from this document. If you have any questions about reprinting or retransmitting, call 1.850.327.4378 and ask for Stephen L. Peele. Copies of this document can be given away freely for academic or information purposes. Any sale, placement, or display in any media that involves the transfer of money, of document, or parts of, is a violation of Copyright.
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Subscriptions: The electronic version of "The Mushroom Culture" Electronica, The Journal of Mushroom Cultivation (TMC) can be read freely at www.mushroomsfmrc.com under “TMC Journals”. The current Issue will be posted sometime in the middle of the published month.
"The Mushroom Culture" physical issue (Hard Copy) that contains actual spore print samples and color photographs, that is mailed to you in a thick plain brown envelope, has the following subscription rates: One year’s subscription $30.00 (outside the USA $50.00), Two year’s subscription $50.00 (outside the USA $90.00), Three year’s subscription $70.00 (outside the USA $130.00). "Lifetime" subscription is $1,000.00 (outside the USA $2,000.00). College, University, and other educational library requests may subscribe "Lifetime" for $750.00 (outside the USA $1,750.00).
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The Scheduling Dispatch Of This Journal: This Journal's "Hard Copy" is mailed thru the second week of the Issue's Publication month/date. This is usually the first Monday of the said month. Because games and prizes offered in this Journal are restricted to postal mail only, the Electronic Issue is not released until 7 days after the postal mailing of the "Hard Copy". This is done to prevent unfair advantage if both were released at the same time. To view the Electronic Issue, go to www.mushroomsfmrc.com then, click on “TMC Journals”. The FREE Download is made available by donations. To help keep this mycological free service available to all, you may send your donation in any amount to FMRC, POB 18105, Pensacola, FL. TMC is a quarterly publication, 4 times a year.
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Know The Mushroom Laws In Your Area: Some readers who receive this Journal live in areas where no mushroom laws exist. Others, like those in the USA, must be aware of laws that forbid the possession and cultivation of mushrooms that contain controlled substances. Psilocybe cubensis is an example of an illegal mushroom in the USA. As articles are done on an International basis, always keep in mind the laws on these said type mushrooms in your own specific area. Questions? Check with the law from a pay phone.
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Mushroom Identification over the Phone… a public service provided by FMRC to Poison Control Centers and Emergency Rooms all over the world. Since 1972, the Florida Mycology Research Center has offered this free service 24 hours a day to all Poison Control Centers and Emergency Rooms. Please take the time to contact your local Poison Control Center or local hospital and make sure they are aware of this service. Many times, the identification of a mushroom involved in a mushroom poisoning can mean the correct treatment…the wrong treatment could be bad for the victim. Call them and give our "Mushroom ID" phone number…1-850-327-4378.
#78 TMC April 2008 Page 01 Copyrighted Material
Advertising in The Mushroom Culture is just good rifle shot advertising. Plus, when it is posted up for download, hundreds of thousands of people see it! Pretty good deal, when you think about it. If its Mushroom Related, and you want to sell it, try this:
How To Place An Ad In “TMC”
For 1 full year (4 issues)…Full page $500.00, ½ page $250.00, ¼ page $125.00.
For one time (1 issue)…Full page $200.00, ½ page $100.00, ¼ page $50.00, 40 word ad $20.00.
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Mushroom Books You Never Knew Existed
For a complete list of FMRC’s publications, videos, and a listing of all the Back Issues of "TMC" with a summary of each ones contents, order FMRC’s "MAIN" Catalog by sending $10.00 and requesting it at FMRC. The FMRC “MAIN” Catalog is now posted On Line at our website www.mushroomsfmrc.com then click “Catalogs” off of our Main Menu, then just scroll down and you will see all we have to offer. Also, check out our “Store”. The down load or copy/paste is free.
Submitting Spore Samples for This Journal
Submitting spore samples for Journal entries, entitles you to one year’s free subscription to the "Physical" Hard Copy issues published by FMRC. Only select prints that you are sure of identification. Do not submit samples you cannot identify. "TMC" and "TEO" ("THE MUSHROOM CULTURE", The Journal Of Mushroom Cultivation (TMC) and "TEONANACATL", The International Journal Of Psychoactive Mushrooms TEO), both published by FMRC, remain the only "color" mushroom journals that come with mushroom spore print samples. This is mainly due to reader collection and the fact it is
quite troublesome to place the said samples into the Journals. To this date, I know of no one else who has tried taking on this task. Mushroom prints should be taken on paper. Any dark colored spores can be taken on white paper. Light colored or white spores
should be taken on a dark colored paper. This will ensure contrast and make the spores easy to see. Seven to nine complete sheets should be submitted. Place and affix (with staple or tape) cover sheet over each sheet of prints. Send date and where collected. Wild edibles make the best submissions for the "TMC" Journal. If you wish to submit a controversial type, like Psilocybe cyanescens, these said types may be submitted (or we will forward) to "TEONANACATL", The International Journal of Psychoactive Mushrooms (TEO). Because these issues have this unique feature of mushroom spore print samples to aid in the correct identification of mushrooms collected out in the wild, they have a cutoff of 3,000 subscribers. This makes original Hard Copy back issues of "TMC" and "TEO" rare and the most valuable to collect.
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#78 TMC April 2008 Page 02 Copyrighted Material
Mushroom Spore Print sample For #78 “TMC” "THE MUSHROOM CULTURE"
Agaricus bisporus
EDIBILITY – Choice Edible – The common “Button Mushroom” found in your local stores.
FMRC’s Catalog Number …………………………………………………………#SO22
Agaricus bisporus
Samples collected by Stephen L. Peele
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"TMC” Journal Sale
SALE #1. …. Order any TEN back issues ($100 value) and get a full year’s subscription ($30 value) for only $60.00. Overseas and outside the USA, Airmail $80.00.
SALE #2 .….Order back issues #01 through #60 ($600 value), and also included is: #EE (TMC’s famous EXTRA EDITION Issue that first exposed our government‘s action of destroying Psilocybe cultures held at our Nation‘s culture bank, the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) ($10.00 value). Plus get a full year’s subscription ($30 value)…..This $640.00 value of TMC publications and the subscription is yours for only $200! Overseas and outside the USA $250. When all originals have been sold, reprint or photocopies are made available (no spore samples or color photographs may be affixed).
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TMC Back Issues
Back Issues of this Journal, starting 2005, will be $10.00 each. Rising costs in printing, storage, and postage are the main reasons. When all originals have been sold, reprint or
photocopies are made available (no spore samples or Color photographs may be affixed in these Issues). To insure complete Original Issues with color photographs and affixed Spore Samples, you must subscribe. The Current Issue of TMC is $15.00
FMRC’s TWO Mushroom Journals Are Now Online…..FREE
Exciting News from FMRC! Mushroom Journals can now be seen, read, downloaded, and inspected free at www.mushroomsfmrc.com Then, click the desired Current Mushroom Journal! "TEO Journals" for "TEONANACATL”, the International Journal of Psychoactive Mushrooms (TEO) and, "TMC Journals" for "THE MUSHROOM CULTURE”, the Journal of Mushroom Cultivation (TMC). Unlike the Hard Copy Issue, all photographs will be in color in this Electronic Issue.
A public service from the Florida Mycology Research Center (FMRC)
Publishing Mushroom Journals since 1984! Now, over 20 years of mycological documentations............
#78 TMC April 2008 Page 03 Copyrighted Material
All this is made possible by donations. Make your financial support out to FMRC and mail it in today. This will insure the future Postings and the Journals themselves.
For full summary reviews of all Back Issues of both Journals go to www.mushroomsfmrc.com and then click Catalogs. Scroll down until you come them. Said pages will be toward the end.
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"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Benjamin Franklin, 1759
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Information On "TMC" Spore Samples
The Mushroom spore print samples that are included in this Journal are offered for microscopy and identification purposes only. No growing claims are made as none of these samples has been tested for such by FMRC. All samples that are sent in by readers are presumed viable. Each sample provided should consist of + or - 10,000 spores. These spores are like their seeds, only very small. So small in fact, they are measured in microns, and cannot be singled out
without the use of a microscope. These spores are very valuable when it comes to identification of the mushroom. Mushroom spores can be compared to fingerprints of humans. Besides being of different colors, the spores will also be of different shapes and sizes. FMRC offers spore samples of different species. These can be used as "standards". It would be a good idea to have mushroom spores available for comparison when making ID’s. FMRC offers the world’s largest mushroom spore bank of its kind available. Physicians should have on hand several different species of mushroom spores in order to have standards in which to compare suspected mushroom spores.
The physician should have on hand any lethal or poisonous mushroom spores that are known to be found in his area of service. Consult FMRC’s "RED" Catalog for complete listing of mushroom spores. FMRC uses the following criteria for edibility designation: DEADLY…Mushroom contains toxins that will cause death. POISONOUS…Mushroom contains psychoactive to gastrointestinal toxins, and not likely to cause death…EDIBLE/CHOICE EDIBLE…all of these type mushrooms are selected for the table.
Because "TMC" has many readers who are not IMGN Members, your issue may not contain a certain spore print sample that is "Restricted" by FMRC. In cases where samples of this nature are provided, you must be an IMGN Member in order to receive said spore print samples. To find out more about FMRC’s Independent Mushroom Grower’s Network (IMGN), consult FMRC’s
"MAIN" Catalog, or write to FMRC and ask for IMGN details (postal or email (FloridaMycology@cs.com)). Your mailing label will be noted "IMGN" if you are a member. Without this notation, your issues may not contain any "Restricted" samples. University/College, Mycology related businesses, or Doctor’s office subscriptions do not apply. Reprints of back issues may not contain color photos or any spore print samples. Photocopies are supplied when all original issues have been sold. To insure an original copy with all materials, you must subscribe.
If your Country, State, City, or County forbids biological materials from entering their borders, please inform us of this fact. Example, New Zealand. Inmates who receive this Journal will receive no spore samples. You will be placed under a special mailing list and your issues will not contain spore samples. If you continue to receive "TMC" with mushroom spore samples, and live
in an area where they are forbidden, you will accept all liabilities and responsibilities. When FMRC learns about a forbidden area, all issues going into that area will comply with its local laws. EXAMPLE: No spore samples of any mushroom capable of producing a controlled substance will be included in "TMC" issues bound for the State of California. FMRC is aware of CA State Laws, which forbid possession of said type mushroom spores. This means under no conditions. Not even if you are a medical doctor working under a Federal Grant at a CA College or University, and an IMGN Member…these will not be shipped to CA. If you would like to receive "Restricted" Issues, and live in CA, you may give us another address in another state. If
#78 TMC April 2008 Page 04 Copyrighted Material someone else mails the Journal to you, it is then their responsibility, and not FMRC. We have also been informed that the State of Georgia also has laws that forbid mushroom spores capable of producing Controlled Substances. FMRC, the publisher of "TMC", will continue to the best of it’s ability to adhere to all laws pertaining to mushrooms, both here in USA and Overseas. In any
event, only on rare occasions will the "TMC" have mushroom spore print samples affixed inside
that will be capable of producing any said controlled substances, and their entry would be for ID purposes only. This has been brought about by the Journal "TEONANACATL" (TEO). All said type spore print samples will be affixed inside the "TEO" Journal. "Non Restricted" Issues, not containing these type spores, will be mailed to "illegal" areas like CA, ID, or GA.
Submitting Articles To "TMC": You may submit any article by yourself to FloridaMycology@cs.com or by postal mail. Other articles found in newspapers and other print, should be sent postal mail. Any article used earns the sender a year’s free subscription to
"TMC". "TMC" is the physical issue of this Journal. So, be sure to include your postal address when submitting any articles. Mail Call entries earn no free subscription. You may state not to have your name published or listed with article. Ideas about regular columns by you are welcomed, as is all other ideas, which you feel, will be helpful to this Journal.
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How To Win A Year’s Free Subscription To "TMC"
If you see any article about mushrooms, past or present, and you think others may like to read about it, send it in. If it is used in "TMC", you get the free subscription. If you find a large stand of a particular species of mushroom, and are able to collect 7 to 10 good full sheets of spore prints (enough to place samples in "TMC"), send them in. If they are accepted, they will be placed in
"TMC", and you get the free subscription. If you send anything in that has to do with mushrooms, and it is used (Mail Call letters do not apply), you get the free subscription. If you do not want your name mentioned, please state so and we will honor your wishes. Free subscriptions are physical issues with spore print samples and 4" X 6" color photographs.
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Mail Call
Hello Stephen,
I’ve read the article this morning (#77 TMC Jan 08 – “Working With Amanita Muscaria Mycelium”) on your website, but is it the complete article or what?
ps. never listened about tomatoes seeds and mycelium!! how for you move the mychorrized plant to inoculate the roots of the pine?
Thanks, Fabio
Fabio.......That is the article, not - "or what?". Small roots are dug up around the base of the tree. Mycelium is placed directly on the smallest roots found. The dug up area is then covered back up. I believe you missed the whole point, however. The part about the addition of seeds in the agar culture allow for mycorrhiza development, which would not occur without seeded plants. Now, never before, you can create this environment in your lab. The "tomato seed" use in agar just simply allows this relationship to occur so that you can observe it. For exact plant/host relationships, use the seeds from the known host plant. The ideal thing to do for Amanita muscaria, if you want to move it to an outside project........use pine tree seeds, plant these small seedlings, which are taken by the mycelium. When trees reach about 15 feet tall, they will start producing fruits.
Thank You, for your interest in FMRC! Highest Regards, Stephen L. Peele, Curator FMRC
#78 TMC April 2008 Page 05 Copyrighted Material
From: eternalstar
To: floridamycology@cs.com
Hello….I have been reading old posts on various sites about the ionizer and methods you have used to employ it and find your work to be the most innovative that I have come across. I am inspired by all of your work and time and energy devoted to the myco/spiritual world. My first spores were obtained from you when I was a young lad way back in 1987. If you remember spores were not as readily available back then and I was most grateful to you then as well as now. I have seen the way you have been treated in some of the groups by moderators and am very upset that some of the posts are allowed to remain up for people to continue to read. You are the grandfather of many of us who have been up to this great work and for those that know this your image will not be tainted by silly banter and braggart behavior. I see the wisdom in so much of your assessment and find it keen and revealing almost at every glance. I had not been aware of the ongoing progress in your journal and feel I have missed out on many years of work and progress that I could have made from an association with your research. I have been out to see Paul Stamets in 1994 and was and still am very impressed by his progress but agree that you are a silent leader in this field and that your contributions are at least on par if not greater than his if only due to your greater age and experience. I am so sorry to read that your days are not well (in note to J Allen) and feel a sadness at this because as others have made such great names yours is not heralded as others are. Saying this I want you to know that at least one person out there gives you veneration of the highest, highest degree and will remember you to those that I teach as the greatest forefather of our understanding of the mechanics of mycology.
Thank you, Cosmic Ray
Cosmic Ray..........Thank you for the nice letter. Its always good to hear from people again, even when I am not sure who they are. You may know that we post our Journals up at our site for free inspection and download, and that all of the back issues of both Journals are made available by FMRC. To turn your interests back at us again, send your name and postal address along with this offer, and I will give you a year's free Hard Copy subscription of your choice TEO or TMC.
Thank You, for your interest in FMRC! Highest Regards, Stephen L. Peele, Curator FMRC
Hi Steven, I sent you via snail mail a collection of Galerina marginata (presumably). I included a few dried samples, a few pages of spore prints, and my own version of an identification card detailing mostly macroscopic characteristics. I use the species name marginata, although most of my older books state "autumnalis". William Roody states that recent DNA analysis verified that the two are one in the same, giving marginata nomenclatural precedence. I have yet to read anything more recent that denies this claim. What do you think?
Glenn, yes, many feel it is the same, others say "very close". One mycologist says he tells the difference because the G. marginata loses its ring easy. I'd say William Roody might just be right. I will get back to you after I receive the mail you mentioned.
My best advice about all this……never eat little brown mushrooms off of wood. I’ll try to have my microscopy and reagent tests in the next TMC Issue.
Thank You, for your interest in FMRC! Highest Regards, Stephen L. Peele, Curator FMRC
#78 TMC April 2008 Page 06 Copyrighted Material
Hi Steven. Your question in TMC inspired me to write a summary paper on cystidia. I attached it to this email. I hope you can include it in one of the upcoming issues. Obviously, I have no new info on the subject, but I think I managed to write it in a way that the average aspiring mycologist could understand. If you have the time, review it, and if you like it, I think I would be willing to write a similar paper on a different subject each month. It helps me learn, and hopefully helps others learn as well. Talk to you later. Glenn
A brief overview of the fascinating world of Cystidia.
A summary report by Glenn Esterson.
Let’s start off by using some standard definitions of cystidia.
Cystidium (pl. Cystidia) Derived from Greek, Kystis, meaning bladder. A sterile element occurring in the hymenium of certain Basidomycetes; cystidia are generally larger than other hymenial elements and protrude beyond them – CJ Alexopoulos, Introductory Mycology, Third Edition, 1979.
According to David Largent, cystidia are either differentiated terminal cells of the hyphae within the hymenium which will not produce basidiospores (i.e. – sterile cells); or they are terminal cells of the hyphae which compose the surfaces of the basidiocarp and sometimes resemble the cystidia in the hymenium.
Cystidia are classified on the basis of its position (location) and / or its type. In regards to locality the following paragraphs may be helpful.
Cystidia that are found on surfaces of the basidiocarp are termed Dermacystidia, of which, Pileocystidia occur on the pileus (cap) and Caulocystidia occur on the stipe (stalk).
When they occur on the lamellae (gills) they are termed Hymenial Cystidia, of which Cheilocystidia occur on the edge of the lamellae, while Pleurocystidia occur on the face. There are also cystidioles, which are aborted or immature cystidia that cannot be differentiated from basidioles.
In regards to the type, there are five general classifications. (1)Leptocystidia are thin walled, smooth, have non-distinguishable contents, and they do not occur on the trama. Sometimes there are specialized types of leptocystidia and they are called Brachycystidia, which are basidiole-like in appearance.
(2)Lamprocystidia are thick walled cystidia (or at least partially so) also without distinguishable contents. These are further divided into five sub-types.
Seta are long and pointed and turn brownish in KOH, these do not occur in Agarics or Boleti. Setule are also pointed but described as skillet shaped that may darken in KOH. Setiform, again, also long and pointed but they do not react to KOH. Metuloid lamprocystidia are rounded at the apex but their overall shape is variable, they may or may not be encrusted, they may or may not be pigmented, and, they may or may not have an amyloid reaction. Lastly, there are also Mycosclerids, which are embedded in the trama. The previous four types do not occur in the trama.
A third type of cystidia are referred to as (3) Gloeocystidia. These are versiform cystidia which react to reagents or have conspicuous, amorphous, or granular contents. Of these, there are four sub-types.
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Pseudocystidia begin in the trama but protrude thru the hymenium, pileus or stipe. Chrysocystidia have yellowing reactions to certain reagents. Phaeocystidia have brownish contents, and Cosinocystidia are unique due to their sponge-like interior.
(4)Hyphoids are also versiform cystidia but are devoid of contents, may have thin or thick walls, and usually intricately branched so as to form a complex cystidium. Within the Hyphoid form the cystidia may be called Asterophysis, which are thick walled and have a star shape at the apex but will be swollen at the base. If the hyphoid is simply branched and the hyphae is not swollen, then it may be either Dendrophysis (tree-like branching) or Acanthophysis (numerous branches that resemble a pipe cleaner), or, Dichophysis (dichotomously branched).
Lastly, at least in regards to type, there are (5) Cystidia-like Hyphae. These are multi-cellular in project into the hymenium. There are two sub-types. Cheilocatenulae are multi-cellular hyphae with differentiated elements which often disarticulate. Then, there are Cystidioid Hyphae which are similar to cheilocatenulae except that the elements are undifferentiated.
Now we move on to the shapes of the cystidia, get ready to grab a myco-dictionary. There is no way that I can define each of the following terms, but I will give a brief description for some.
There are three basic shapes. Those that have parallel sides in which the width remains constant, of these, there are two sub-types. If they are thin and thread-like they are referred to as filiform; if they are broader than filiform cells, they are termed cylindrical. The second form has a swollen apex that is tapered from the mid-section to the basal portion. A third type tapers from a swollen middle to a tapered apex and base, they are termed ventricose, however, if the middle is only slightly swollen then it is termed sub-ventricose.
In regards to the apex of the cystidia, it may be obtuse (round), acute (pointed), elongate (long), caput (head), rostrum (beak), or mucro (extended point). If there is more than one protuberance (projection), then they are termed appendages.
The following terms are used to describe obtuse apices that are swollen and taper towards the mid-section or the base. Claviform (tiny club shape), Cylindro-Clavate (small club shape), Clavate (large club shape). IF the apex is swollen with an abrupt taper, then these terms may be used: Sphareopedunculate (sphere like tip), Napiform (turnip shape), Turbinate (spinning top), Vesiculate (bladder shape). Other terms include: Obclavate (reversely clavate), Pyriform (pear shape) and Ampullate (flask shape).
When dealing with acute apices, the terms used are: Aciculate (needle shape), Aculeate (spine shape), Subulate (awl shape), Lanceolate (lance shape).
The following terms are used to describe a protuberance that is caput. Capitulate (filiform cystidia with swollen apex), Tibiiform (tibia shape), Lecythiform (bowling pin shape), and Utriform (bladder shape).
These terms describe a protuberance that is rostrum. Ventricose-Rostrate (ventricose cystidia with beak like extension), Lageniform (gourd shape), Ampulliform (flask shape), Pyriform, and Obclavate.
When describing cystidia that have more than one protuberance it then should be called:
#78 TMC April 2008 Page 08 Copyrighted Material
Digitate (finger like), Cornuate (horn shape), Echinate (spine like), or Diverticulate (peg-like). Further, if there are many protuberances and they are not horn shaped, then they are referred to as Broom Cells.
Sometimes cystidia have so many variations on one surface that describing it is near impossible, at which point they are termed Versiform. As with other parts of the basidiocarp, the cystidia may or may not be incrusted or ornamented, and of course, each incrustment or ornamentation has its own appropriate name.
In the Coprinus genera, cystidia are abundant. This mushrooms ability to autolysis makes spore dispersal possible. The cystidia seems to act as an eventual space for the spore to drop, since the cystidia dissolve first. Before they dissolve they act as a barrier which prevents neighboring gills form encroaching on the spore needed space, at least according to Bryce Kendrick.
Yet another view on what cystidia are and their role in the basidiocarp is discussed by Alexander Smith, “cystidia may act as air traps and functions to aid in the evaporation of moisture and other volatile compounds.” This suggests that cystidia act as a humidity retention / release device.
Basically, there are 5 or so points that most mycologists agree on in regards to the function of cystidia. They are as follows: acting as an air-trap to create a favorable climate for spore dispersal, spacing of the gills, aiding in the evaporation of moisture, and acting as excretory organs.
For your microscopic viewing pleasure, check these out: Coprinus atramentarius, Galerina marginata, Marasimus cystidiosus, Pluerotus cystidiosus, Panus rudis, Melanoleuca melaleuca, Tylopilus alboater, Gymnopilus spectabilis, Stropharia kauffmani, Stropharia rugusso-annulata, Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe Montana, and many, many more.
In conclusion, cystidia, at least to me, represent one of the most interesting subjects that I have studied in mycology so far. They never cease to amaze me with their brilliant quartz crystal-like shapes towering over their neighborhood. They are a seemingly endless source of entertainment to me. I hope this brief review of cystidia will be useful to you in one way or another.
Sources of information:
- Introductory Mycology, Alexopoulus
- How to Identify Mushrooms to Genus, Vol. 1 & 3, Largent
- The Fifth Kingdom, Kendrick
- North American Mushrooms, Miller
- Mushrooms Demystified, Arora
Mycology in the Media
Marshall E. Deutsch
An observant reader (Juliet Pendray) caught an error in my last column. Although Taxomyces was discovered by the same investigators who found Euglena and Penicillium in Pit lakes, they found Taxomyces elsewhere, in a tree rather than in a lake as I said. Thank you, Juliet. #78 TMC April 2008 Page 09 Copyrighted Material
Something else I missed, not having read it in time was the role played by fungi in the career of Louis Vuitton as described in a book review in The Washington Monthly for September. Vuitton’s first big success was a trunk maid of poplar and cotton, one of whose advantages was not being as attracted to mold as the leather trunks of the time.
Scientific American for November lists a few dietary sources of vitamin D, and shiitake mushrooms turn out to be high on the list, with 100 IU per 3.5 oz. of the fresh mushrooms and 1600 for the same weight of the dried ones.
Two puzzling items in New Scientist for 10 November and only one of them is clearly about a fungus. Firstly there’s an announcement that the genome of Malassezia globosa, which has 4285 genes, has been sequenced and that this is a fungus which causes dandruff by hydrolyzing oleic acid from sebum lipids, which, in turn, causes the skin of the head to shed cells. Secondly, what I suspect has to do with a fungus is a letter describing a white growth on an old tree stump which, on close inspection appeared to be made up of very small “eggs.” The next day it turned to a purple slime which dried up and disappeared on the following day. The writer asks for help in shedding light on what it is.
Science for 16 November tells us more about the dandruff fungus, stating that it is closely related to plant pathogenic basidiomycetes such as Ustilaga maydis and that it secretes lipase because of “an apparent fungal inability to synthesize fatty acids de novo.” More pleasant are the references to truffles in New York for November 19.
Therein we learn of a diner who purchased a one-ounce Tuber magnatum
pico ($3,000 to $5,200 a pound at retail) with the intent of sharing it at dinner, and of the theft of $4,000 of the white truffles. I wonder if law enforcement thought of using truffle hounds or pigs to solve the crime. The New Yorker of the same date describes the results of a questionnaire in which fifty chefs were asked about their fantasy final meal: “Truffles are a frequently requested palliative: thirteen respondents wouldn’t go without a fix, whether white, black, shaved, coarsely grated, wrapped in thin slices of salt pork, served with grilled-shirako risotto, or minced on toast.”
