Mushroom Field Guide 

The stem surface of the grass-like Mycena is sticky, elastic, and detachable. The cap is 1 to 2 cm wide, with colors ranging from yellow-green to yellow-brown to gray-brown. The stem is pale yellow or pale yellow-green. It has a smell and taste reminiscent of mosquitoes or rancidness. The gill layout is broad to slightly slanted, with colors ranging from white to grayish-white, sometimes with brown spots. 

Laccaria laccata, commonly known as the Deceiver, is a widespread and variable mushroom belonging to the family Hydnangiaceae. Its name "Deceiver" reflects its highly variable appearance, which can make it difficult to identify. Due to its tendency to be easily confused with toxic mushrooms, it is not recommended to forage and consume it from the wild.

"Deceiver" Version

"Deceiver" Version

Trametes versicolor also known as Turkey Tail,  is also a saprophytic fungus, it promotes nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems by decomposing cellulose and lignin. Its extracts can enhance the immune function of the human body. The polysaccharides present in it have anti-cancer properties, and its compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects help protect cells from oxidative damage and inflammatory responses.  

Stereum ostrea is a common wood-decay fungus. The underside is smooth and lacks pores or gills, with a lighter color. It is named "False Turkey Tail" due to its resemblance to the Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor). 

Scleroderma citrinum is usually round or oval in shape, with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters. The surface is rough, with distinct scales or cracks. The outer shell is very hard, and the interior contains dark brown or black spores when mature. As a saprophytic fungus, it primarily decomposes organic matter. It is commonly found on forest floors, particularly favoring acidic soils, and often forms ectomycorrhizal associations with tree roots. It has a certain level of toxicity, and consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. However, its spores have applications in traditional medicine, such as for hemostasis.

Coprinellus disseminatus, commonly known as the Fairy Inkcap or Trooping Crumble Cap, is a small, saprophytic fungus belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae. It is known for its gregarious habit, often forming dense clusters on decaying wood. 

Ganoderma lucidum, also known as Reishi, a widely distributed wood-decay fungus, belongs to the Polyporaceae family. In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is revered as the "immortal herb." Reishi extracts are commonly used to enhance the immune system. The polysaccharides and triterpenes found in Reishi possess anti-cancer properties. Additionally, compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are present, and Reishi is also used to regulate blood pressure, improve sleep, and reduce stress. 

Dacrymyces chrysospermus, commonly known as yellow brain fungus, is a wood-decay fungus that typically decomposes lignocellulose as a saprophyte.

As a saprophytic fungus, Phellinus gilvus plays an important role in decomposing organic matter and promoting nutrient cycling. In some traditional medicines, Phellinus gilvus is believed to have medicinal value, such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it is not typically used as food. 

As a saprophytic fungus, Daedaleopsis confragosa plays an important role in decomposing organic matter and promoting nutrient cycling. In some traditional medicines, Daedaleopsis confragosa is believed to have medicinal value, but it is not typically used as food. 

The cap is bright red, smooth, sticky when wet, and loses its shine when dry. Young caps are convex, gradually flattening as they mature, often becoming depressed in the center with slightly wrinkled edges. The flesh is hard and brittle with a pungent taste. Consumption usually causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea within 30 minutes to 2 hours. While these symptoms are not fatal, they can be very uncomfortable. 

Auricularia auricula-judae, also named as Jelly Ear, is a commonly consumed edible mushroom, believed in traditional medicine to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, lowering blood lipid levels, and improving blood circulation.  

Inocybe insinuata contains toxic compounds, such as amatoxins and muscarine, which can cause severe poisoning symptoms if consumed. It typically grows on forest floors, forming mycorrhizal relationships with trees. 

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Leiotrametes lactinea is a saprophytic fungus that primarily decomposes the cellulose and lignin of coniferous trees, playing a crucial role in the nutrient cycling of forest ecosystems. It can form perennial fruiting bodies on wood, adding a new layer each year. Although Fomitopsis pinicola is not suitable as an edible mushroom, it is considered to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional medicine. 

Baby Leiotrametes lactinea