Guidelines for identifying fungi
- Fungi of a particular species can vary tremendously in size, shape and colours. Before eating any edible fungi, make
positive identification of several specimens.
- Young specimens rarely display the full range of identification features. Do not collect
immature mushrooms that you cannot positively identify.
- Old mushrooms decay rapidly and can become infested with worms and grubs; they are best
left alone.
- The ID-Guides in the Identity Parade section of this web site list visual and other
identification features for each species in the guide. The pictures alone are not
sufficient, and it is essential to match up all of the features accurately.
- If a specimen that you find disagrees in even one respect with the details given here, it is
best to assume that the fungus you have found is NOT the one illustrated and described in the
ID-Guide. If in doubt, leave them out.
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Some species of fungi are DEADLY
POISONOUS, and edible fungi can easily be confused with poisonous ones if specimens
are not thoroughly examined. Extreme care is therefore essential when gathering wild fungi
to be used as food. If you are at all uncertain, show the fungi to an expert and obtain
positive identification before eating them or giving them to anyone else who might eat
them.