The Dereila Nature Inn - a cyber nature centre for nature lovers
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Along the Mushroom Trails - Understanding Mushrooms Page 2
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Adnexed gills on a mushroom
When the gills are notched and are barely attached to the stem, it is called "adnexed."
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Lamellulae on a White Fibrecap
Short gills are called Lamellulae. These are the gills that do not extend all the way to the stem as shown here on this White Fibrecap, Inocybe geophylla. This can be a useful feature in correct identification.
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This polypore mushroom shows pores instead of gills on the underside of the cap.

These pores resemble small holes but are actually the ends of a series of tube-like structures which produce spores.

Eventually the spores are released into the wind for dispersal.
Underside of a cap with pores
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Bolete mushroom with fleshy pores
Bolete mushrooms have fleshy pores unlike the hard pores of Polypore mushrooms.

In this group of mushrooms the stipe is also mostly central.
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Hanging teeth on the understide of a cap
A third method of spore dispersal is used by a group of mushrooms called Teeth Fungi which have long, thin teeth (sometimes called spines) which hang down from the underside of the cap. Like the gills of gilled mushrooms, spores are produced in these spiny, hanging teeth which can measure up to a centimeter in some species.
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Common Puffballs
Puffballs are a group of mushrooms which use a fourth method of spore dispersal. In the top of the cap is a hole which is called an ostiole. Spores are released there when the puffball ruptures.
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Mushroom stipe
Like the mushroom cap, the stems or stipes of mushrooms vary greatly. The ring on the stem is called an annulus.

On this species the stipe is smooth above the ring but rough below. This rough texturedness is referred to as "granulose."
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Annulus (ring) on a amanita
The annulus may be thick or cobweb-like. It can be persistent and a very noticeable feature as in the Amanita genus.
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Volva on a Sunshine Amanita, Amanita aprica
The structure at the mushroom's base is the remains of the universal veil and is called a volva. The volva can be partially buried or in some cases completely buried in the ground.

This photograph shows the volva at the base of a Sunshine Amanita, Amanita aprica.
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A scabrous mushroom.
The small scruffy pieces that stick up on the stems of some mushrooms are called scabers and can help with identification.

If a mushroom has this type of stipe is is said to be scabrous.
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Scabrous stems
Scabrous stems are found on a variety of mushrooms and differ in colour and texture.
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Many thanks again to Gerry Ansell of Victoria, BC for his invaluable help!
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Also at the Inn
Click to visit   Photo Tip - Getting Close with a Mirror

Mushrooms are tricky to photograph, but this little photo tip might help or give you an idea or two.

     
Click to visit _ At-A-Glance Guide to Fungi

We've arrange our collection of fungi images into an At-A-Glance Gallery sorted by groups and type.
     
Click to visit  

A Look at Fungi

Explore an extraordinary world of diversity in nature - one you may have over-looked.

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