Identification: Honey mushroom?

Discussion in 'Fungi, Lichens and Slime Molds' started by 1950Greg, Oct 30, 2008.

  1. 1950Greg

    1950Greg Active Member

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    Location:
    Langley, B.C. Stones throw from old HBC farm.
    Could I get confirmation on the idenity of this fungus. Armillaria mellea or not?
     

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  2. Stilbella

    Stilbella Active Member

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    Location:
    North Vancouver
    It has recently been determined that armillaria mellea is found in the east, and not in BC as was previously believed. There has been some discussion that what we have out here is more likely to be armillaria ostoyae. It's browner that a. mellea, and has the characteristic scaliness on the cap and the well-defined ring. It is still commonly called th 'honey mushroom' (old habits die hard), but it isn't the species we thought it to be.

    We see them a lot on our forays, and have had them identified as a. ostoyae by people who are far more expert than I will ever be. So I have to defer to them, and say that yours are likely armillaria ostoyae.
     
  3. 1950Greg

    1950Greg Active Member

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    Location:
    Langley, B.C. Stones throw from old HBC farm.
    Thanks . The reference book we are using shows pictures of the eastern type which is strange because this book is called Common Mushrooms of the Northwest.
     
  4. Stilbella

    Stilbella Active Member

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    Yeah, well, I think Duane wrote that book before the mellea/ostoyae discussions really got going. Lots of things are in flux right now, especially with the advent of DNA sequencing. The taxonomy of mushrooms is ever-changing as the DNA results cause things to be placed into different genera than was previously believed. Of course, books can't be revised nearly fast enough to keep up with the changes.

    For example, collybia acervata has recently moved to gymnopus, and is now called gymnopus acervatus.

    It's kinda frustrating for amateurs like me. I just get the hang of one name and have to learn a new one! But we'll all just have to learn to adapt, I guess, as more becomes known.
     

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