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Brendon Smith Edible and Medicinal Fungi of Western Nova Scotia

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46 views25 pages

Brendon Smith Edible and Medicinal Fungi of Western Nova Scotia

Uploaded by

Sonia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Edible and Medicinal Fungi of

Western Nova Scotia


Brendon Smith B.A.,
Nova Scotia Mycological Society
Director
Introduction
• What are fungi?
– Spore-bearing microorganisms
– Belong to a separate kingdom from plants
(prior to 1960 they belonged to the kingdom of
plants
– Not all fungi produce mushrooms (i.e., yeast)
– Extremely diverse in appearance
Introduction
• What is a mushroom?
– The prototypical mushroom we are familiar
with represents the fruiting body of a fungal
species
– The vast majority of a fungal organism is
located underground (or within a tree) and
consists of a complex network of filaments
called mycelium
Mycelium

Image taken from Google


Mycorrhiza
• Mycorrhiza refers to a symbiotic (mutually
beneficial) relationship of fungi with the
root network of a tree or plant
• Fungi are capable of directly extracting
nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
from the soil
Collecting Mushrooms
• Collecting mushrooms for personal or
commercial use requires time to familiarize
yourself with edible and poisonous species
• It is helpful to collect several specimens, at
different stages of growth in order to make
a positive ID
• The best way to learn about mushrooms is
to have someone who is trained show
them to you (i.e., Mycological Society)
Poisonous Fungi
• Learning to identify toxic and poisonous
fungi is crucial prior to collecting
mushrooms for consumption
• There are some fungi that are considered
safe edibles, but not when consumed with
alcohol
• Small portions should be consumed the
first time trying a new species to avoid
adverse reactions
Poisonous Fungi

Images taken from Google


Cantharallus Cibarius-Golden
Chanterelle
• Excellent beginners mushroom
• Presence of gill “folds” helps distinguish
from other species (Bottom right image)
• Compare with hygrophoropsis (left image)
which is commonly confused for a golden
chanterelle
Hydnum repandum/umbilicatum-
Hedgehog mushrooms
• Two common varieties: Wood Hedgehog
and Terracotta hedgehog
• Distinguishing features: Presence of
“teeth” on under surface of cap
Boletus Edulis-King Bolete/Porcini
• Associated with conifers
• Popular worldwide
• Distinguishing features: Swollen base,
reticulations present on stalk. Does not
stain blue when cut
Grifola Frondosa
• Common name: Hen of the woods/
Maitake/ Rams Head
• Typically associated with mature Oak and
occasionally on maple
• Used as a medicinal
Tricholoma Magnivelare-
Matsutake, Pines
• Cultural significance in Japan
• Associated with mature Hemlock in N.S.
• Distinctive Odour: cinamon,dirty socks
• Collectors should familiarize themselves
with toxic amanita species
Cathelesema Ventricosum/-Swollen
Stalked Cat
Associates with conifers, especially spruce
Often completely buried under sphagnum
moss. Similar in appearance to Matsutake
Compare young species with amanaita sp.
(toxic)
Lycoperdon Perlatum-Gem
Studded Puffball
• Found on deadfall (Saprophytic)
• Distinguishing Features: Small “gems” on
cap (Right image)
• Compare with poisonous pigskin puffball
(Left image)
Suillus Cavipes-Tamarack Jack
Associated with Tamarack (Larix Laricina)
Distinguishing features: Brown/redish cap
with small hairs. White partial veil often
present. Hollow Stipe
Laetiporus Sulphureus-Chicken of
the Woods
• Parasitic. Found on dead and rotting wood
• Easily identified. No poisonous look-Alikes
• Smaller specimens are more valuable as
an edible, as they become tough and
fibrous with age
Craterellus tubaeformis-Yellow Foot
Chanterelle
• Found in mixwood forests, often among
sphagnum moss. Prefer moist substrates
• Distinguishing features: Funnel shaped
cap. Yellow stipe.
Agaricus Arvensis-Horse
Mushroom
• Close relative to the cultivated button
mushroom
• Distinguishing features: Pink gills when
young. Gills smell like almond
extract/anise when fresh
• Compare with amanita sp.
Hypomyces Lactiflourum-Lobster
Mushroom
• Host mushroom either Russula or
Lactarius infected with hypomyces mold
Polyporus Squamosus-Dryads
Saddle
• Parasitic and/or Saprobe on hardwoods
• Found in the spring in Eastern N. America
• Becomes hard and fibrous with age
Ganoderma Lucidum-Reishi
• Parasitic. Related species Ganoderma
Tsugae are very similar in appearance
• Significance in Chinese medicine
(mushroom of immortality)
Inonotus Obliquus-Chaga
• Parasitic on Birch, causing white rot
• Numerous studies investigating
immunological significance
• Concerns surrounding sustainable
harvesting practices
• Check out the Nova Scotia Mycological
Society online and on facebook for
information on membership and forays
– www.nsmushrooms.org

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