Glossary: Fungi / mycology

Gregarious A growth form in which mushrooms fruit in relatively close proximity

Hygrophanous Having the characteristic of changing color upon drying. This feature helps describe mushroom structure, spore production, or fungal identification.

Macrofungi Fungi visible to the naked eye. This feature helps describe mushroom structure, spore production, or fungal identification.

Mycelium The thread-like portion of a fungus, excluding the fruiting or reproductive structures. They may or may not be visible. Groups of strands may join to form thick strands called rhizomorphs Did you know? Mycorrhizal mycelium connects plant roots underground and helps many trees obtain water and nutrients.

Mycorrhiza A symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant

often on very poor soil A type of small green plant, sometimes only 1/16 (2 mm.) and mostly less than 2" (5 cm.) high. Mosses have tiny stems and leaves and reproduce by means of spores instead of seeds. They grow in moist locations

Parisitic Obtaining at least part of its nourishment or water from a host organism. This often occurs among fungi - Example: Armillaria mellea (also called the honey mushroom or oak root rot fungus).

Saprophytes Fungi that receive nourishment from dead organic material. This feature helps describe mushroom structure, spore production, or fungal identification.

Scrobiculate Pitted or furrowed. In mushrooms, having rounded depressions on the stipe (stem) of some species, as in Lactarius scrobiculatus

Sinuate With a strongly wavy margin. In mushrooms, referring to a type of gill attachment, specifically gills that are notched at their point of attachment to the stipe (stem)