Rooted Oudemansiella, Oudemansiella radicata.
Mycology,the scientific study of fungi,is a relatively new science and is,
as such,still evolving.If you have more than one mushroom field guide it is possible that you have come across a mushroom
that has two different names depending on when the books were printed.
This makes it a very frustrating exercise for beginners and amateur
shroomers. There seems to be a constant need to move mushrooms from one genus to another.
Oudemansiella radicata is a case in point.Originally known
as Collybia radicata it moved to the genus Oudemansiella(but retained the species name radicata). It's latest transformation
has been in to the genus Xerula,but not content with placing it in a new genus it also gained a new species
name furfuracea.
Years ago when mycology was still in it's infancy mushrooms were placed
in a genus based predominantly on macro characteristics. This has since changed and mushrooms are now placed in
genera based primarily on microscopic characteristics,hence the need to move mushrooms from one genus to another.
So which name should we use to describe "our" mushroom?.Personally, I am stuck with remembering the name Oudemansiella radicata which is difficult
enough to remember without trying to get my tongue around Xerula furfuracea!
Postia ptychogaster?,click here to go back.
The image on the right is clickable.
