The Arizona Fun-Gi is the official newsletter of the Arizona Mushroom Club (AZMC) and is published quarterly.
All articles appearing may be freely reproduced provided the source and author are acknowledged.

Morel Season - that is!  All across this nation mushroom hunters are scouring their favorite 'patches' with more or less sucess.  If you live in Arizona and expect overflowing baskets, you better sign up for a Morel weekend in the San Bernardino Mountains (May 11-13, 2001 ) as the Los Angeles and San Diego Mycological Societies are having their 3rd annual LAMS/SDMS Morel Foray.  Or perhaps, the National Morel Mushroom Festival at Boyne City, Michigan (May 18-20, 2001) would be more to your liking.

Finding morels in Arizona can be a challenge, this only serves to make success even sweeter.  Mostly, morels found here are from the Morchella angusticpets group, also known as "Black Morels"  Our collecting season starts comparatively late and the best areas are usually in the 'High Country', where spring weather can be fickle.  Some years the harvest is small and sporadic.

Morels are found in many different habitats.  Records show that they are found along streams, on hill sides, in mixed hardwood forest, under aspens and oaks, near dead American elms, and in apple orchards.  Morels are often produced in abundance after forest fires and sometimes even in bark mulch on flowerbeds.  The common factors seem to be wet soil that is high in organic matter and tree shade, especially from hardwoods.

Morels are the fruiting body of a fungus that lives in the soil.  When the soil temperature and moisture conditions are right the fungus produces morels.  The wind carries the spores from the fruiting body to new habitats, where they germinate and produce a new individual of the morel fungus.  The pitted, spongy cap on the white stem contains the spores.  Some 'morels' are poisonous.  Know your morels and hunt safely!

(click here for more morel information)

Fungi 'Miscellanii'

AZMC FORAY ANNOUNCEMENT! The first 2001 morel field trip will take place on Saturday May 12, 2001. We will meet at 8:30 A.M.at the McDonalds located at the I-17 Camp Verde exit. Bring a sack lunch and a warm jacket! Remember to call the AZMC Information Line fro specifics on the this and other field trip dates.

News from the Web

by Scott Bates

email: [email protected]
website: http://members.aol.com/azmushclub/

Greetings AZ Mushroomers and thanks for all the speedy replies!

I have once again updated the AZMC email list with information I received after my last email.  I think that we are all up to speed now (fingers crossed).  I have also spent some time updating the website.  The 'Links' page has several new sites to visit, and outdated links have been corrected.  The 'Mushrooms of Arizona' page has had a few outdated links corrected (I hope to update this area this summer with new pictures and descriptions, if the mushrooms will cooperate). Finally, the 'Upcoming Events' page has some new and an updated message for morel forays.  There is also a link here to the "Elusive Morel in Arizona" page which has been updated with a few links to other morel information.

Please be sure and contact me at [email protected] if your e-mail address has changed,if it is not listed on the website e-mail list, or if you forgot your password.

Visit our website often. You will find club news, great mushroom related information and a e-mail list of all your fellow 'web-connected' club members.

Attend forays in style with Arizona Mushroom Club apparel!

The Bischoffs have been hard at work putting together a proposal for clothing marked with the AZMC logo. Show club unity and support by wearing an Arizona Mushroom Club hat, shirt, or patch to future forays! The more items we order, the lower the cost will be! Here is a run down of the approximate prices:

Quality Polo style short sleaved shirt with AZMC logo on upper left chest - - - ~$23.00

(Shirt sizes S to 4X)

Baseball style cap emblazoned with AZMC logo - - - ~$12.50

Single AZMC patches to place where you please - - - ~$6.00

(I want one for my pack, but they are also perfect for a jacket)

If you are interested in ordering some of these exciting items contact Scott Bates via email ([email protected]), or contact the Bischoffs directly (check your Club Roster for their phone number). Once a large enough order has been put together, the order will be placed. Please show your support and appreciation to the Bischoffs by placing your order!

Thanks for providing such a unique opportunity to the club Marilyn and Fred!!!!

The Great Fungal Vocabulary Quiz

by Rich Therrien

Coprinoid Name Juggling: A Shaggy Tale

By B.S. McGinty

Drat! The taxonomists are at it again, and a genus that we have all known and loved (for the last 200+ years) may be set to fall on the mycological chopping block. A recent article in the journal Taxon (vol. 50, Feb. 2001) has suggested that the genus Coprinus be split into four genera. That's right, FOUR separate genera! Why, you may ask, is this happening to your favorite deliquescent genus?! Well, it is a shaggy tale that begins at Duke University.

In the early1990's, a student named John Hopple had just begun work on his doctoral dissertation at the Duke Mycology Lab. Around that time, molecular techniques for deducing evolutionary pathways had continued to improve to the point that Darwin's dream of a complete picture of the evolutionary "tree" seemed obtainable. The Duke Mycology Lab, under the leadership of Dr. Rytas Vilgays, had joined the molecular phylogenetic mania sweeping through the scientific community in order to begin sorting out the evolutionary history of the Agaricales. Hopple and Vilgays would introduce molecular phylogenetic methods to the systematic study of the genus Coprinus.

In his thesis, and subsequent articles with Dr. Vilgays, Hopple put forth the idea that at the molecular level the genus Coprinus was not really a closely related group, but rather four separate groups that were mingled in with Psathyrella (among other things). The trouble didn't end there! Coprinus comatus ("Shaggy Mane"), the species that the genus concept was based on, did not even fall in with the majority of other species of Coprinus!  Instead Hopples' cladograms showed that C. comatus stood out on its own little "island" separated from the rest of the "Coprini" by a sea of other genera. Joining C. comatus on this "island" was its close relative C. sterquilinus, and sitting on the shore nearby was the arid land Coprinus-like secotioid fungus, Montagnea arenaria. The once "stable" genus Coprinus had been undone, and now it was in a mess. What could be done? It would take a brave soul to sort it all out!

Fast-forward now several years to 2001 where a brave soul has finally stepped up to the task! His name is Dr. Scott Redhead, and he is a professional mycologist who works for the Canadian government. Dr. Redhead was charged with sifting through a mountain of historical mycological literature in order to sort out what "old" names could validly be used for these new genera in accordance with the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (the "law" for naming things like mushrooms). I will spare you all the gory details and just introduce you to the new generic names that have been proposed.

If these changes take place, the name Coprinus would be kept with its namesake species C. comatus, and this genus would now be included in the family Agaricaceae (Coprinaceae would disappear). The old familiar C. atramentarius ("Tippler's Bane") would be transferred to the genus Coprinopsis (along with the other closely related species) to become Coprinopsis atramentaria. The lesser-known Coprinus micaceus and its related species would comprise the genus Coprinellus, and a new generic name, Parasola, would cover a group of "parasol-like" species such as Coprinus plicatilis. Of course, C. plicatilis would then become Parasola plicatilis. These last three genera would now be place in the proposed family Psathyrellaceae.

Before you throw your arms up and refuse to use another binomial again, take heart in the soothing words of Scott Redhead in his article "Bully for Coprinus-A Story of Manure, Minutiae, and Molecules" from the recent edition of McIlvainea (vol. 14, 2000):

Do we suggest that you run out and adopt these names immediately? No! Instead be conservative initially, especially in field guides. If taken up by authors in field guides, they should be taken up cautiously with caveats attached, at least for the next few years while the data accumulate and the theories are tested. Molecular systematics is beyond the infancy stage but it is still just a toddler.

This author will end his shaggy tale with a caveat of his own: Be prepared, because the science of molecular systematics may soon dramatically change the way we talk about mushroom species, however all this name juggling won't change the taste of a fresh CORINOPSIS ATRAMENTARIA fried in butter!

Dr. Redhead notes: C. atramentaria (even in butter) is still poisonous with alcohol [even when the name changes the toxin is still coprine].

Glossary

Agaricales: An extensive order of Basidiomycetous fungi whose fruiting bodies are commonly called mushrooms.

Binomial: A universally recognized system where each species is identified with two names - genus and species (specific epithet).

Cladogram: A Special phylogenetic tree, usually with implied ancestry based on shared derived characters, and with a relative time axis.

Darwin's tree: In Darwin's Origin of the Species, an image of a branching tree was used to represent two notions: that species have evolved in time, and that this process involves natural selection. Darwin believed that there would be a time in the future where the complete tree would map the entire evolutionary history of every organism.

Deliquesce: To become fluid or soft on maturing, as in certain fungi.

Molecular Phylogenetics: The study of evolutionary relationships among organisms or genes by a combination of molecular biology and statistical techniques.

Secotioid: A mushroom, usually with a closed or partially open pileus, that has lost hymenophoral organization and the ability to forcibly discharge its basidiospores.

Taxonomist: One who classifies organisms in an ordered system that indicates natural relationships.

(click here to visit the Duke mycology website)

Squirrels and Truffles

In some places both are considered a delicacy (though not necessarilly both in the same place).  These Abert's Squirrels (Sciurus aberti) depend on the Ponderosa pine for food, cover, and nesting sites.  They are members of a larger group called tassel-eared squirrels, and they are distinctive in coloration.

Where ever you see pine cone 'cobs' (they sort of look like a miniature corn cob), which is what is left of the cones after the squirrel has finished breaking it apart to get at the seeds, it has been at work.  Another tell tale sign of squirrel activity are 'clippings' of pine needles lying on the ground that they bit off to get at the sweet inner layer of the new twigs in winter.

Yet another important source of food furnished by the Ponderosa pine, are underground. (hypogeous) fungi living on the roots, increasing water and mineral absorption.  The fruiting bodies (true truffles) are dug up by the squirrels as a high-energy food.  The spores pass through the digestive system of the squirrel and are still viable in the dung, thus they spread the fungus to more pine roots.  

Just another one of the many helpful (or symbiotic) relationships found in the forest.

For 'on-line' FUNGI Readers

Check out this website:

http://www.fungifest.com/article1009.html

This is an international listing of annual forays and festivals, some of which are held in conjuction with conferences.

Have a interesting fungi related website to share?    Contact Ann at: [email protected]

The Book Review Corner

Important Literature for the Amateur Mycologist:

Six Books that Every Beginning Mushroomer in Arizona Should Know

---

Book One:

A Morel Hunter’s Companion
by Nancy Smith Weber

(reviewed by Scott Bates)

---

As members of the genus Morchella are starting to pop up in various parts of Arizona, I thought it would be appropriate to begin this new series with a book about that magnificent morsel - the MOREL!

Nancy Smith Weber is a respected mycologist in her field; well known for her thorough research. This book, A Morel Hunter’s Companion: A Guide to True and False Morels, was published as a reprint in 1995 by Thunder Bay Press (Lansing, Michigan), and in its pages Dr. Smith Weber’s thoroughness is apparent. Here one can find a multitude of information regarding the morel: cooking and preserving morels, hunting tips, habitat notes, the morel life cycle, nomenclature and classification system clarification, and mushroom poisoning.

The book also gives fine descriptions for members of the morel family (Morchellaceae) as well as the family Helvellaceae which contains some poisonous look-alikes such as Gyromitra gigas. The descriptions are also accompanied by helpful keys to the families, genera, and species. The information doesn’t stop here however, as the book also includes useful appendices, a glossary, citations, and an index. There is even a section called “Foreign Vernacular Names” just in case one would want to ask an Italian friend the directions to his/her favorite “spugnologialla” patch!

Luckily, Dr. Smith Weber’s writing is concise enough to fit all of this information into a 9”x6”x3/8” format that can be easily carried into the field. If there is one draw back to this book, it is that some of the information presented is pertinent to Michigan only. However, I feel that A Morel Hunter’s Companion is a reference that even mushroomers in Arizona will find well worth its $16.95 price tag!

(Reviewer's note: Dr. Leathers can recall holding Nancy’s hand as they walked together in the field when she was just a child. At that time, Dr. Leathers was studying under Nancy’s father the renowned mycologist Dr. Alexander H. Smith.)

(Editor's note: The remaining five books will be reviewed in following issues.  Thank you Scott for taking time out of your busy schedule to provide this important service.)

(Check www.amazon.com to order this book new, or www.bookfinder.com to find a used copy.)

DON'T TAKE CHANCES!
Every mushroom hunter should consult more than one text to assure proper identification.  Learn the "do's" and "don'ts" and apply them dilligently.

When trying new varieties, eat only a small amount at first.  Remember some people are allergic to some edible mushrooms.

The Foray Circuit

Great Opportunities!

Study with Dr. Jack States this Summer!  Don't want to miss out on these two events scheduled with Dr. Jack States, author of Mushrooms and Truffles of the Southwest, happening this summer (2001):

From the Pothunter's Kitchen

Snow Peas and Morels

3 tablespoons butter

1/2 tablespoon pureed garlic

1/2 tablespoon pureed ginger

8 ounces snow peas, trimmed

4 ounces small fresh Morels cut in half length wise

1 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

__________

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger briefly. Add snow peas and cook, stirring and tossing for about one minute. Pour in soy sauce. Sprinkle with pepper and continue to cook for two to three minutes longer, stirring frequently until snow peas are still crisp and the mushrooms wilted.

Serve hot.

***

Morel Omelet

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 onion chopped

4 ounces fresh Morels chopped

5 eggs, beaten with salt/pepper

1/2-cup jack cheese shredded

1 1/2 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley chopped

__________

Sauté onion and Morels until soft in half the butter. . Melt remaining butter over high heat and add eggs. Swirl to cover pan bottom. When bottom has set add Morel/Onion mixture and cheese. Reduce heat and fold omelet. Flip if desired. Sprinkle with parsley.

Serves two.

This is your newsletter!

If you would like to participate in the creation of future issues, submit thoughts, articles, pictures, experiences, e.t.c. to:

Ann Therrien at

[email protected]

or mail to:

Ann Therrien
(email her for address)

You do not have to be writer, just submit and leave the rest to your editor!

Click here to view to other editions.

The Arizona Fun-Gi is the official newsletter of the Arizona Mushroom Club AZMC,
and is published quarterly.

All articles appearing may be freely reproduced provided
the source and author are acknowledged.