There’s a lot of weird in the fungi world, and Hypomyces fungi are the source of a lot of funky happenings. Hypomyces species essentially hijack their fungal hosts, altering their appearance so dramatically that identifying the original mushroom becomes nearly impossible. They are parasites that attack and transform other mushrooms into something totally different from […]| Mushroom Appreciation
Have you ever spotted a tiny mushroom growing directly from a pine cone? The pinecone mushroom (Auriscalpium vulgare) is a tiny treasure of the forest. It resembles a miniature periscope popping up from a buried pinecone submarine. This minuscule mushroom is easy to overlook (you really have to be looking!) and is always a treat to actually find.| Mushroom Appreciation
The large white greenhouse mushroom (Leucocoprinus cretaceus) can catch you off guard when they pop up in your houseplants. Don't worry, they're not dangerous or harmful to your plants! This is a tropical mushroom that hops a ride in soil and plant matter to spread across the globe. This adaptable saprotroph grows in potted plants, planters, and greenhouses in cold places. In warmer regions, it will grow from woodchips and compost.| Mushroom Appreciation
The chip cherry mushroom (Leratiomyces ceres) is an interesting species. No one seems to know with certainty where it originated. It grows in mulch and has a worldwide distribution, but an unknown original source. It is not an extremely common species, but when it shows up, it’s hard to miss! Its cap is a bright cherry-red (hence the name!) and it fruits in big groupings.| Mushroom Appreciation
The lilac oysterling mushroom (Panus conchatus) is a beautiful, delicate purple mushroom that fruits across North America. It looks similar to the highly sought after edible oyster mushroom, Pleurotus spp. The fact that both their names have oyster in them makes things even more confusing.| Mushroom Appreciation