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V
OMPHALINISSN 1925-1858
Vol. VII, No 1 Newsletter of Jan. 15, 2016
OMPHALINA OMPHALINA, newsletter of Foray Newfoundland & Labrador, has no fixed schedule of publication, and no promise to appear again. Its primary purpose is to serve as a conduit of information to registrants of the upcoming foray and secondarily as a communications tool with members. Issues of Om p h a l i n a are archived in: is an amateur, volunteer-run, community, Library and Archives Canada’s Electronic Collection
OMPHALINA V Vol. VII, No 1 ISSN 1925-1858 OMPHALIN Jan. 15, 2016
CONTENT
Editor’s comments ...... 2
Finding jackmanii Andrus Voitk ...... 3 Captain William Jackman Andrus Voitk ...... 5 Hygrocybe jackmanii Lebeuf et al...... 6 Musings on namings Andrus Voitk ...... 11 Pleuteus leucoborealis Andrus Voitk ...... 14 Book review: Common Lichens Yolanda Wiersma ...... 16 The Bishop’s sketchbook ...... 18 Mail basket ...... 19 Partners ...... inside back cover Notice ...... back cover
This issue and all previous issues available for download from the Foray Newfoundland & Labrador website
OMPHALINA Message from the Editor
Happy 2016 to you all! However, this year there is an opportunity for you to join this even smaller and more exclusive coterie of the most enlightened members of mankind. With our The days are already getting longer, the sun rising foray held in Goose Bay this year, if you drive there, higher. Soon enough you will be in the woods taking the ferry across to Labrador, take an hour off looking for mushrooms again. in Forteau and walk the dunes. Likely you’ll see this We came across a revealing statement over the and other dune mushrooms. We plan to do exactly holidays. In his new book, “Lindvistika ehk metsa that—make a road trip of it, taking our time getting see lingvistika”, author Valdur Mikita stated to Goose Bay, with plenty of exploring on the way. that there are far more people in the world, who have gone to Paris than ever have gone picking mushrooms. You are part of a very exclusive small Not too early to make foray plans… coterie of enlightened human beings. By the way, unless you read Estonian, do not waste your time looking for this very worthwhile book. Happy mushrooming! After nearly a decade and half of collecting, we have accumulated a lot of material. As we begin to andrus look at it more closely, many discoveries are made. Some emerge during reviews of groups of fungi, reported to you in the review of the genus Pluteus in Om p h a l i n a 5(9):6-10, 2104, one of several such reviews. In this issue we are happy to report an additional species to the list in our province. Other discoveries are of new species, not only to the province, but also to the world. We are happy to report one such in this issue. As we sift through more and more of our material, we hope to find many more discoveries to report to you. As mentioned in the article about Hygrocybe jackmanii, this pretty species grows in the sand dunes in Forteau, along with at least two other somewhat uncommon mushrooms. For most of us, even though we live in the same province, an opportunity to see these mushrooms in their natural setting is not an everyday occurrence. More people have gone drinking on George St in St John’s than ever have gone to look at these mushrooms.
2 OMPHALINA Finding jackmanii…
Andrus Voitk
In October, 2011, a small crack team was deployed colour, with green Empetrum nearby, it became the to the Labrador Straits to look for some false truffles. choice for the cover photo of the Christmas issue of Among the many finds were three interesting Om p h a l i n a in 2011. The editor, who initially believed mushrooms in the Forteau sand bars, discussed in it to be a dark-centered Hygrocybe miniata, sent the these pages on a previous occasion.1 Two of the three photo to Renée Lebeuf, because of her interest in the mushrooms in the title banner have already found genus Hygrocybe. Renée immediately recognized it as their way into scientific publications. Thuemenidium worthy of interest. She did not know it, but told the arenarium, on the right, had been encountered on editor that for certain this was not H. miniata. Because a previous visit, which led to a review of the genus, of the dark scales at the centre of the cap, she thought suggesting that probably none of its species belong it might be close to H. turunda, and the editor, grateful there.2 This led other investigators to create a new for the helpful voice of somebody who knows, genus, Sabuloglossum, for this species, which is now presented it as such—an undefined species possibly known as S. arenarium. The false truffle in the middle, close to H. turunda. recognized as an Alpova, led to a full review of this Then began the fun of investigating what it might be. genus in North America, with the discovery that our After examination, Renée concluded that it was a new species is A. cinnamomea, and not A. diplophloeus, with species, hitherto unknown to science. She sent some which it had been synonymized for a long time, as specimens for a consultation to David Boertmann, well as the discovery of a new species.4 That, also, was a renowned student of the genus especially familiar reported to you on these pages.5 with northern taxa through his work in Greenland. Now it is the turn of the last of this Labrador Boertmann agreed with her that this represented a triumvirate, in the upper left, to grace the pages of novel species. Material was now sent to Greg Thorn the world’s mycological literature. How it got there with a request that he confirm this with molecular is a story to itself. Because of its good looks and red sequencing and analysis.
OMPHALINA 3 Search for similar species turned up Hygrocybe there. Bit of a story to dine out on. They made their andersonii, described from sand dunes of the Gulf collection in another local on another day. After the coast Mississippi islands.6 That species is reported shakes had settled. to grow with an ericaceous plant, Ceratola ericodes, The result of all this effort and good will ended up as which does not extend north of the southern part the publication of a new species, Hygrocybe jackmanii.8 of North Carolina. The commonest plant near our Read on to learn who Jackman was, what this new Labrador mushroom is the northern ericaceous species looks like, and how organisms are named. plant, Empetrum nigrum (crowberry), but otherwise they were sufficiently similar that a comparison of Acknowledgments their DNA seemed prudent. DNA from H. andersonii Huge thanks are due to Bill Roody for going to Florida to collect the specimens of Hygrocybe andersonii. Thanks are also due to was not available at the time. An appeal for help to Hashini Puwakgolle for sequencing these sand dwellers. And the Bill Roody, a member of the FNL faculty for 2008 team below. and 2011, and co-author of Waxcap mushrooms of eastern North America,7 turned up the happy news that not only did Bill know this species well, but he also spent time in its fruiting area each year. Bill undertook to collect some H. andersonii for our phylogeny study. Now, you may think this is nothing, a nice trip to a Florida sandy beach, pick a few mushrooms, catch a tan, and go home. That may be how it works for you, but it does not work like that for serious mushroomers. When Bill and Donna got there, they had to step over some yellow tape to get to the place these mushrooms usually grew. They didn’t find any this time, so came back. Were met by armed militia, Our team, at the end of a hard day of tireless collecting. saying the beach is off limits because buried mines L to R: Michael Burzynski, Anne Marceau, Maria Voitk, from training during the war had been discovered Andrus Voitk, Phyllis Mann. Missing from the photo is the photographer, Henry Mann. References (for pp. 3–13) 9. Bonikowski LN: The heroism of William Jackman. The Canadian Encyclopedia online edition
Andrus Voitk
On October 9, 1867, Captain William Jackman (1837-1877), of Renews, Newfoundland, sought harbour for his ship and crew in Spotted Islands, Labrador, ahead of an October storm. After a mug- up of tea with his friend and host, he walked to look out to sea, where he saw a ship blown onto a rocky shoal, in danger of being broken by the pounding waves. After sending for help, he swam to the ship and carried a man safely to shore. He repeated this, later aided by a rope from shore, until he had brought all 27 persons aboard to safety. This is the official story,9 although as with all heroic deeds, there are suggestions that the legend may have outstripped reality. Google his name to learn the full story and its many variations. For his bravery, Jackman was awarded the silver medal by the British Royal Humane Society, had the Captain William Jackman Memorial Hospital in Labrador City named after him, and had a Canadian stamp issued in the Canadian Heroes series. A memorial in his hometown has not come to fruition, although currently there is an active group trying to raise funds toward this end. In a cynical age, where heroism is cheapened by a commercial production-line of manufactured, managed and manicured “giants” of rock, professional sport, movies, models or politics, one outdoing the next in gossamer-thin shallowness during a mercifully fleeting grasp at fame, it is a pleasure to honour the thirty year-old Captain William Jackman with the name of this beautiful mushroom. Hygrocybe jackmanii fruits in the same October of autumn storms, and on the blustery coast of the same Labrador that witnessed Jackman’s noble act—a fitting tribute to commemorate this genuinely brave man.
Photos from the Internet.
OMPHALINA 5 Hygrocybe jackmanii Renée Lebeuf, Greg Thorn, David Boertmann, Andrus Voitk
Ab s t r a c t Hygrocybe jackmanii Lebeuf, Thorn, Boertm., Voitk differs from similar species of Hygrocybe primarily by its northern distribution, long spores, preference for shifting littoral sand, and propinquity to Empetrum.
En g l i s h d i a g n o s i s Cap 10–40 mm diameter, convex, becoming plane in advanced age, squamulose, or- ange-red with brown central squamules. Lamellae to 3 mm wide, adnate, sinuous, yellow. Stem 3-6 × 12–45 mm, orange-yellow. Slightly sticky. Spores 11.2–15.3 × 4.1–5.1 µm, cylindri- cal. In shifting sand portion of littoral sand dunes of Labrador, usually close to Empetrum.
Introduction Recently we had the pleasure to report the novel species, Hygrocybe jackmanii, from the sand dunes of the Labrador Straits, near Forteau.8 The purpose of the present article is 1) to report this species to the mycophile community of Newfoundland and Labrador, and 2) to supply additional descriptive details for the interested, beyond what we were able to do within the confines of the formal description.
6 OMPHALINA Cap bluntly acute to campannulate in youth, flattening adpressed scales becoming rougher and scalier with out with time, but edges remain downturned for a age. Colour varies around the red end of orange, long time. Disc becomes flat, then mildly depressed, becoming brownish in advanced age. Note the and eventually depressed to umbilicate. Texture of Sabuloglossum arenarium on the last photo, above.
Edge even and smooth at first, fringed by small granules adherent most of the time, although no amount of yellow fibrillar hairs. Opaque; only 1-2 lubricant rubs off. mm of edge slightly translucent. Becomes increasingly Disc scales brownish and darker, darkening more with crenulate. Entire mushroom slightly sticky, with sand age.
Gills distant to moderately spaced, up to 3 mm yellow flocculation on apex under cap; no ring; solid to wide; sinuous, visible below expanded pileus, adnate, pithy; orange-yellow under cap, lighter yellow toward occasionally fine decurrent tooth; yellow, turning base, no staining; usually half-buried in sand. orange with maturity; lamellulae 0–3, mostly 1, Context: yellow; smell nonspecific; taste nonspecific. occasionally anastomosed to lamellae. Sporeprint: white. Stem 3–6 × 12–45 mm; even; smooth with sparse
OMPHALINA 7 Spores 11–15(–17.5) × 4–5 μm, evenly cylindrical, thin-walled, amorphous; inamyloid.
Basidia 51–65 x 7–9 µm, 4-spored, clavate, often narrow at the base, clamped, some with medallion-clamps (insert).
Gill trama subregular, made up of Pileipellis hyphae erect in young fruit Basidioles 51–65 x 7–9 µm, clavate, non-inflated clamped cells, 55–172 x bodies, becoming repent with age; occasionally segmented, sometimes 5–8 µm, some medallion-clamps. end cells 28–96 x 7–10 µm, some with medallion-clamps. with grey-brown content. 8 OMPHALINA Ecology Fruits in shifting sand (red rings), not in established heath, but often at the sand-heath border. Commonest closest plant was crowberry (Empetrum nigrum). Slightly less frequent plant neighbours were small moss (Polytrichum sp.) and beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata).
Di s c u s s i o n commonly scarlet, whereas H. jackmanii is orange Hygrocybe jackmanii may be limited to the northern red. H. phaeococcinea has a gray-black rather than Atlantic coast of North America. Superficial brown-gray disc, lacks squamules and is typically resemblance to relatively common red species of more red, and considerably smaller. H. turunda and Hygrocybe, combined with growth in less populated H. coccineocrenata have decurrent gills and smaller areas not often surveyed, might explain why it has caps; in moss or dense grass their stipe is usually escaped detection to date. Our macroscopic and longer than the cap diameter. The similarly coloured ecologic descriptions are based on viewing over 100 H. substrangulata has the same size and proportions, but seldom has a dark disc. All of them are found in specimens, but all in a relatively small area, about 800 poor sandy soil, H. miniata and H. turunda also known x 200 m. No doubt, many of these observations can to fruit in fixed sand dunes. All prefer to fruit among be refined after wider experience with the species. available vegetation. Only H. jackmanii seems to be Hygrocybe jackmanii is one of several species of truly psammicolous, preferring shifting sand to fruiting Hygrocybe with a dark disc (middle of the cap). In among vegetation, although it is often very close to stature and habitus it resembles H. miniata. While gray the edge of vegetation or near vascular plants or central squamules have been noted on H. miniata mosses. on rare occasions,10 dark squamules are a consistent feature of H. jackmanii. Also, the red of H. miniata is The long and cylindrical spores set H. jackmanii apart from other species of Hygrocybe in Newfoundland OMPHALINA 9 Phylogeny of Hygrocybe jackmanii (dark brown panel). It shares a common ancestor with its sister species, H. andersonii (mid-brown panel), also a littoral sand dune species with long spores; both are on the light brown panel. Together these two similar species form a sister group to the species around H. miniata, shown in the red panel. Basal to this group is H. phaeococcinea, a small, red, miniata-like mushroom with a dark disk. This small group is rooted in hygrocybes with decurrent gills, H. cantharellus and H. turunda. The latter also has a distinctly dark disc. As is evident, similarities usually belie genetic closeness, but some characters seem to be recalled from time to time along different paths. Lodge et al.13 refer to an unplaced H. miniata–H. phaeococcinea clade that falls in a clade with H. firma and H. andersonii; our analyses recovered that same clade and placed H. jackmanii in it, together with H. quieta. Other analyses (not shown) that included more species also recovered the H. miniata–H. andersonii clade, but with H. reidii (section Coccineae, subsection Siccae) as the sister group and with H. firma and H. quieta more distantly related.
and Labrador. Its shape, colour, proportions, spore moisture and nutrition. size, and psammicolous habitat resemble the recently All of these species are sticky at least to a small described Hygrocybe andersonii.6 The latter species was degree, a slight enhancement of the “waxy look and reported from the mouth of the Mississippi, growing feel” attributed to the genus. Exposed parts (top of with Ceratiola ericodes. That plant is not known north the pileus) tend to be drier and protected parts (base of southern South Carolina. Most commonly H. of the stem buried in sand) more so. Even the driest jackmanii seems to fruit near Empetrum nigrum, an parts have more sand adhere to them than to less ericaceous inhabitant of northern sand dunes, but sticky species in the same habitat. whether formally associated or just sharing similar habitat, we do not know. Hygrocybe jackmanii also differs from most others of the genus in our province with its late fruiting time: Elongated, smooth spores are often typical of in our area Hygrocybe species generally tend to fruit psammicolous mushrooms; the teleological early in the season. explanation proffered is that these are better suited to reach deeper between grains of sand, getting closer to
10 OMPHALINA MUSINGS on NAMING ORGANISMS Andrus Voitk
Is it “scientific” to name a fungus after Thus, as an identifier, longispora is not (Labrador). Even though latinized, a person? If so, must the person be a particularly useful. everybody can immediately recognize mycologist? What are the rules? Naming organisms by their the Labrador part in the name. Well, there are no formal guidelines microscopic characteristics has “Jackmanii” also has a recognizable for naming organisms, apart from another disadvantage: that name is root in the scientific name, but has rules to avoid duplication and meaningful to other microscopists, the advantage of dramatic appeal to confusion. But there certainly are but not the general population. the imagination. It has the chance of conventions. Far more non-microscopists than becoming part of local lore, passed microscopists take an interest in on and related to visitors with pride. As with common names, the Jackman’s Hygrocybe may have a commonest scientific names are mushrooms. It would be a shame to shut out the majority, and create an community taking an interest in its descriptive. Russula (= red) is a welfare as a matter of pride. It may genus of red-capped mushrooms. artificial schism between scientist and amateur mycophile. do more to curb ATV damage in Of course, annoying exceptions the sand dunes than any amount of crop up immediately: there are I suspect it would serve us all better, legislation. green-capped species belonging to if organisms with whom we share Russula, as well as species of many the world were accessible to all. Idealistic? Maybe, but idealism is not other colours. Exceptions aside, Therefore, why not name organisms criminal. Constant small efforts at these groupings have the advantage in such a way that people feel an engaging our fellows may produce of instant recognition. A descriptive ownership and kinship with them? A better results than legislation. Why name is useful for groups, but far less name of regional helpful for most individual species. appeal makes it For example, “Russula rubra” is an easier for people unfelicitous name to describe one to become species as red among a whole genus familiar with of red-capped species (and some organisms in their green). Still, at least it is equally environs, and useless to us all, an example of become natural democratic dysfunctionality. stewards of their Scientists use many techniques welfare. to study organisms. Who can “Longispora” blame them, then, for naming an would probably organism by a finding they have be meaningless noted? Microscopic examination to most of our mushroom, for example, people, who reveals that it has long spores. live where our A scientist examining it may be mushroom fruits. tempted to name it “longispora”. “Psammophila” How informative is this? Well, if we (sand-lover) consider all genders (longispora, may have more -us, um), and all synonyms (oblongi-, meaning, were cylindro-, ellipsi-, etc), we can it not for the probably find around 500 existing Greek derivation. taxa. Thus another longispora “Labradorensis” would become one in 500—ho- (from Labrador) hum. Would it be accurate? Not would be much particularly. There are many fungi more likely to with much longer spores. Even in its appeal to the own genus, Hygrocybe, ours does not local population, have the longest spores. That honour proud to live goes to the very similar H. andersonii. in the Big Land Russula means red. These are two russulas. OMPHALINA 11 not involve the citizenry? Squarepants.11 The editors They are the ones funding of Mycologia thought most research. Let them the name too frivolous, taste the rewards. and asked for a name Although felt by many to more befitting the serious be “unscientific”, there is a business of Mycology. long tradition of eponyms The authors insisted on (named after people) in their right, according to the biosciences. Linnæus the rules, to name the wrote that it is a duty to organism as they saw fit. immortalize distinguished They won the day. The botanists in this manner. catchy name and the victory He took his own advice of the underdogs over the so seriously that he gave establishment added the the name Linnæa to his piquance needed for the favourite plant, taking care story to be picked up by all to immortalize himself. It is mainstream news agencies. no longer considered good As an occasional tool to form to give one’s own capture the world’s curiosity name, but mutual naming and raise awareness of deals with colleagues can Mycology, sensationalism is be made. From the early effective. beginning, eponyms have Is it proper science? come a long way, and Before their publication now encompass people nobody would have argued with no connection to that Desjardin, Peay, or the biosciences, whether Bruns, were not proper mythical, fictional or real. mycologists. After authoring Some names seem to inject the most scandalous levity, making the subject eponymous species, there perhaps less threatening is still nobody who would and more accessible to doubt that these authors the curious. Some serve are proper mycologists. political ends, and many Ergo, coining eponymous serve personal or financial names is not the hallmark ends. Scientists share the of scientist or amateur. eponymous limelight with This year’s entry in the American presidents, Danish race to out-outrageous queens, rock stars, cartoon Desjardin & co. is Japewiella characters, composers, pets, dollypartoniana.12 Silly? paramours, etc. Hold your judgment until If you read German, no you read the authors’ doubt you would like to explanation: study Hertel’s recent 157- Japewiella dollypartoniana page monograph describing is named in honor of all eponyms and the Dolly Parton, one of the persons behind them, as most famous country applied to lichens.14 singers of all time and Probably the most a native of the southern sensational eponym Appalachians. Ms. in recent times time is Parton rose to stardom Spongiforma squarepantsii, from humble beginnings Spongebob Squarepants, above, and Dolly Parton, a sponge-like species, so in the mountains of below. Icons of our times, immortalized forever through named because of its eastern Tennessee on eponymous mushroom names. Images from internet: resemblance to the cartoon the edge of the Great Dolly’s photo by Allan Light; Spongebob squarepants character Spongebob Smoky Mountains from free children’s colouring book. where this species 12 OMPHALINA grows abundantly (Parton 1995). demean the great American Over her career she has written lichenologist (it wouldn’t be the thousands of songs, starred in first time). influential movies, as well as How can you “demean” a person been nominated for and won by adding or deleting an N? Names numerous awards. Her tireless coined by us may offer more efforts have led to national and information about their author than even global attention for one the organism. Much as names of of America’s most scenic and cartoon characters and pop stars biologically significant regions. reflect the vacuous time and place Breathes there a man with wit so of their cereators, the additional dull as not to warm to this most N in “Tuckermannopsis” may be a considered tribute? The authors’ troubling vestige of its place and stock rose precipitously in my book. time. Vilmos Gyelnik was the curator I do not want you to leave this of lichens at the Hungarian Natural discussion thinking that eponymous History Museum 1930–1945, a names are used solely to honour period when ethnic origin was their sources. Since there are no of import in Central Europe. The rules, names can also be used to German “Mann” (man) has two N-s, tease, ridicule, humiliate, or for more whereas men ending with a single N insidious and malicious ends. The were either foreign or Jewish—an same Desjardin of squarepantsii important distinction in Hungary in appended a colleague’s name to a 1933. At that time the ”accidental” small mushroom that looked like a addition or removal of an N, wee droopy phallus. depending on the situation, could be a form of insult, or even more sinister. The genus Tuckermannopsis, coined Did this dark side of our history find by the Hungarian Vilmos Gyelnik in its way into mycologic taxonomy? 1933 raises some delicate questions. In that case, why change an English Opsis means like, thus, Tuckermann- name to a German one? Or wasit like. If this name was meant to just a misspelling? honour the American lichenologist, Edward Tuckerman (single N), two According to the Rules of questions arise. In what way is the Nomenclature, misspelled names lichen like the man? And why spell are allowed as an orthographic the name with two N-s, not one, as variant beside the “correctly” the man spelled it? spelled versions. Both are viewed as legitimate and may be used If Gyelink saw in abstract terms, it interchangeably. is possible the shaggy, elongated lichen may have reminded him of the No discussion of scientific names portrait of Tuckerman. The number should ever omit the genus of N-s could merely represent a Lycoperdon. “Lycoperdon”, as central European’s unfamiliarity with everybody knows, means wolf fart. a North American name. But surely Very scientific and very allowed. a lichenologist must have been more The common name in use in aware of Tuckerman, especially if Newfoundland and Labrador is he was aware of the portrait? In a harsefart. As you see, when science discussion about "Tuckermannopsis", is good, it is at one with common Edward Tuckerman (1817- Ted Esslinger wrote (pers. comm.): usage. The concept is the same, only the originator is different. 1886) above an equally shaggy … Tuckermannopsis … looks But, the Newfoundland wolf has Tuckermanopsis americana, our odd. … Gyelnik did not commonest species in the genus been eradicated, and the famous bearing his name. Possibly Gyelnik explicitly dedicate this name to Newfoundland pony is not far saw this portrait when he named the Tuckerman, rather that is our behind—most are now bred on the genus “Tuckermannopsis”, the -opsis assumption, but for all we know mainland. The name is still fitting, but ending meaning Tuckerman-like. he intentionally misspelled it and we may have to look for a Photos: Tuckerman from the Internet, used a purposely non-dedicatory non-ex-stink-t producer. in the public domain. Tuckermanopsis suffix in order to insult or by Michael Burzynski. OMPHALINA 13 A new Pluteus species for NL: Pluteus leucoborealis
Andrus Voitk
Up behind Pasadena this morning and came across these the initial review of the genus Pluteus,1 was able to mushrooms growing from beneath the bark of a large help. To his eye, the photo looked like that of Pluteus dead yellow birch. Might be common but I have not seen leucoborealis, a new species he described in his 2014 them before. monograph of the genus.2 Checking the monograph Joe Brazil showed that the macroscopic and microscopic descriptions fit very well with our mushroom, as well as its growth in the boreal forest and preference The upper right photo, next page, came along with for birch. Justo confirmed the identification with this note. I hadn’t seen them before, either, so was microscopic examination. very interested. If there was a volva, we could have the first Volvariaella that I have seen in this province, and if Acknowledgments not, then a white Pluteus, hitherto unknown from here, Thanks, of course, to Joe Brazil, for finding it, for leading me there, seemed most likely. Either way, most interesting. and for the photos on the left, next page. And thanks to Fredo Justo for identifying the species. Finally, thanks to Maria Voitk for The next morning Joe guided me to the site, title banner photo and habitat photo, next page. and loaded with cameras, we set our respective technologies to work. The cap had opened up a bit in References the intervening 24 hrs. 1. Justo A: A preliminary study of the Pluteus cervinus complex Lacking photomicrographic capabilities, please in Newfoundland and Labrador. Omphalina 5(9):4-10. 2014. satisfy yourself with the few drawings I made while 2. Justo A, Malysheva E, Bulynokova T, Vellinga EC, Cobain G, microscoping this specimen. Nguyen N, Minnis AM, Hibbett DS: Molecular phylogeny and phylogeography of Holarctic species of Pluteus section With all of this information, I was still unable to Pluteus (Agaricales: Pluteaceae), with description of twelve identify this to species, but Fredo Justo, author of new species. Phytotaxa, 180: 1-85. 2014. 14 OMPHALINA Illustrations: Left upper Freehand sketch of cystidia, spores and basidia. I only found one clamp connection in the hymenium, the one shown on the cystidium. Careful search in the pileopellis revealed a few rare clamps, just enough to say that they were not totally absent. Left lower Habitat with photographers and their retinue. Big stump is the yellow birch where they fruited. Right upper Pluteus leucoborealis, when first seen by Joe. Right lower Cap has expanded in the intervening 24 hrs, exposing the gills. Ring light illuminates them and stem for good view.
OMPHALINA 15 New York Botanical Garden Press ISSN 0077-8931 Book review 2014 Yolanda Wiersma U$39.99 Only available from the US
have no doubt grappled with Hinds and Hinds The Macrolichens of New England, or Brodo et al.’s Lichens of North America. Both
COMMON LICHENS OF NORTHEASTERN NORTH AMERICA NORTH NORTHEASTERN OF LICHENS COMMON are excellent volumes to assist with COMMON species identification, but as their LICHENS titles suggest, they cover a broad of Northeastern North America COMMON geographic range; and not one that always overlaps with our province. At last, a light and easy-to-use field guide to the rich lichen flora of Northeastern North America. The authors have Moreover, they are both large designed this user-friendly guide for amateur naturalists, volumes; intended more for keying nature interpreters, forestry workers, land surveyors, LICHENS out specimens at the lab bench researchers, and the general public. Meant to fit in a pocket or backpack, it requires no previous botanical experience of Northeastern North America than carrying out in the field (Brodo and is written in non-technical language. et al.’s 828 page volume weighs in
The 138 lichens in this guide are seen mostly in the at a whopping 4 kg). rocks TROY McMULLIN & FRANCES ANDERSON and soil, then by shape or growth form. If they are leafy they are Canadian Atlantic provinces, New England, Québec and foliose; if they stand up like little trees or dangle from a branch they are eastern Ontario. The guide is formatted so that each Now, for those who want to learn to fruticose ; and if they are a smear of color on a surface, often with tiny page is arranged by the surface each lichen grows on in dots, they are identify lichens in the field without crustose the field, its shape or growth form, then by its color. Full are subjective to individuals,. Then, we they used are generalized grouped bycolor groups that should color color photographs and black and white drawings for each lugging a massive tome into the include any variations. Within color groups, there are further. Though divisions, colors according to the distinctive features species also aid in identification. woods, there is a guide. Common Technical terms are explained in ofthe each species. Common Lichens of Northeastern North America is one of Lichens of Northeastern North LiChen:Cladonia pleurota the need to learn a few terms that describe lichen features. We have tried
M Glossary Common . There’s no escaping name: to keep these to a minimum, and have designed a template for each lichen the few resources available that helps to make lichens c Red-fruited pixie cup
MULLIN & ANDERSON & MULLIN America, by McMullin and name o that reinforces the same terms. When a lichen doesn’t have a particular accessible to non-specialists. Recognition of lichen species rigins:Cladonia (G.) = with branches or stalks; pleurota (G.) = side, likely referring to the placement of the apothecia on the cup feature, the template will tell you so. Where possible, we have described helps create a better understanding of the diversity as Anderson, is designed specifically Found: On soil or thin soil over rocks the Greek (G.) and Latin (L.) origins of the species’ names. well as an appreciation of these often overlooked and for the amateur field enthusiast. CoLor: Yellow-green This is not a comprehensive guide to all lichens in the Northeast and under-studied organisms. Use this guide to get tuned into shape/size: Canadian Maritimes, where there are several hundred species, maybe The book fits comfortably in a Goblet-shaped cups atop a short stalk (podetium) to ≤ 3 cm tall LiChen: the ancient, fascinating and beautiful world of lichens— isidia: Cladonia cristatella None Common more. After consulting with regional lichenologists we selected field- backpack and is printed on durable soredia: name: British soldiers you can start in your own backyard! Granular; covering the cup inside and out, stopping part way down n identifiable common species that occur in the Maritimes. Most also occur ame o the stalk where it becomes corticate (smooth) to the base rigins:in Newfoundland,Cladonia (G.) = Que´bec,with branches Ontario or stalks;and much cristatella of New (L.) England. = To the paper, ideal for taking outdoors. small-crested, referring to the apothecia apothe Cia: careful observer they should be identifiable in the field using only a hand Bright red, usually on short proliferations on the cup margins found: On rotting logs, stumps, at the bases of trees and on soil The authors have selected a set rhizines: lens. We also chose to highlight some lichens which are either at risk or None CoLor: d Gray-green in shade to yellow-green in sun (color tab is red, due to MEMOIRS OF THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN VOLUME 112 istinC considered rare, so that collectors will be cautious about collecting these of 138 lichens which are common tiVe Features: the eye-catching apothecia) granular soredia Bright-red apothecia on yellow-green cup margins; lichens or otherwise damaging their habitats. shape/size: in northeastern North American soredia notes: Groups of small cylindrical stalks (podetia) Of the several goblet-shaped species of branched once or Wetwice encourage anyone with an interest in lichens to use our guide as C. chlorophaea (p. 114) is most similar in appearance, but it has brown a starting point. (including Atlantic Canada) and isidia: None Lichens of North America and≤ 4 cm high, often apothecia. Of those with red apothecia, Cladonia in the Northeast, and other references (see soredia: which can be readily identified in cups young, but it has fine, powdery soredia and the cups are more irregular. Nonedetails on a greater numberFurther of lichens Reading for those Macrolichenswho want to of study New Englandthem in apothe C. deformis C , p. 167) will provide additional Cladonia coccifera is quite similar when ia: Brightearnest. red, atop the stalks (podetia); often spilling over in the field using nothing more than a and C. borealis ungainly clumps ered with larger, plate-like also granules have red that apothecia, have a cortex; but they this are can cov be r hizines: None NYBGPRESS.ORG MEM 112 hand lens. difficult to see without a microscope. distin Cti - Ve features: apothecia n Red fruiting bodies atop green podetia catch the eye A FIELD GUIDE otes: Cladonia cristatella Rather than complex keys and a The outside surface of the is podetia widespread may andbe bumpy, common. but There is never are no cups. reliance on chemical tests to get powdery. Other soil lichens with red apothecia may be gray ish ( C. floerkeana to species, this guide is organized ) or powdery on the stalk surface ( 132 soi p. 131) or have cups ( - L LiC hens C. pleurota C. macilenta hierarchically. Colour tabs divide may be necessary. , p. 132), so close examination , Members of Foray Newfoundland and Labrador the species by the three main C ommon substrates (trees, rocks, soil) and within these L have as their focus the mushrooms and fungi i C hens of northeastern north ameri sections, coloured boxes and simple graphics 2 introdu of our province. However, a subset of members C tion C a 133 (myself included) are equally (if not more so) identify the main colour of the specimen along interested in those fungi that have mastered the with the growth form (fruticose, pendulous, art of agriculture—namely the lichens. Those foliose or crustose). The main technical terms among you who have examined this group to master for further narrowing down the
16 OMPHALINA identification is the ability to distinguish which these are cross referenced in the “notes” reproductive structures (soredia, apothecia, section. Together with interesting facts, a etc.) your lichen has: these are clearly defined comprehensive glossary and a section with in the introductory section. Large colour photos useful references and links, this book makes along with a black-and-white drawing showing an ideal introduction to the fascinating world of close-ups of distinguishing features make this lichens. book an attractive volume to leaf through as The only gripe to have with the book is that, as well. a NY Botanical Gardens publication (despite The book is also an ideal aid to further learning. being co-authored by two Canadians!), it is only I appreciated the author’s efforts to hunt down available via the United States (e.g., Amazon. the meaning behind the scientific names; the com). Thus, the $39.99 US price will be inflated mnemonics provided will certainly help me significantly once one factors in exchange rate, remember the nomenclature. Moreover, where shipping and duty. However, given there is no there are species with similar comparable field guide available, the price is, in appearances, my opinion, worth it.
rocks and soil, then by shape or growth form. If they are leafy they are foliose; if they stand up like little trees or dangle from a branch they are fruticose ; and if they are a smear of color on a surface, often with tiny dots, they are crustose are subjectivesoil to, then individuals, by shape. Then, we or they usedgrowth are generalized groupedform. If they bycolor are groups leafy theythat shouldare and color. Though colors rocks color include ;any if they variations. stand up Within like little color trees groups, or dangle there from are further a branch. Though divisions, they arecolors foliose according to; andthe ifdistinctive they are. Then,a features smear they of colorare grouped on a surface, by often with tiny fruticose crustose Technical terms are explained in the dots, they are of each species. LiChen: the need to learn a few terms that describe lichen features. We have tried Cladonia pleurota ofGlossary each species.. There’s no escaping Common to keepare thesesubjective to a minimum,to individuals, and wehave used designed generalized a templateGlossary color. There’s groupsfor eachno escapingthat lichen should name: Red-fruited pixie cup n include any variations. Within color groups, there are further divisions, ame origins: that reinforces the same terms. When a lichen doesn’t have a particular Cladonia (G.) = with branches or stalks; pleurota (G.) = side, according to the distinctive features likely referring to the placement of the apothecia on the cup feature, the templateTechnical will terms tell youare explainedso. Where in possible, the we have described Found: On soil or thin soil over rocks the Greek (G.) and Latin (L.) origins of the species’ names. the need to learn a few terms that describe lichen features. We have tried CoLor: Yellow-green This is not a comprehensive guide to all lichens in the Northeast and to keep these to a minimum, and have designed a template for each lichen shape/size: Canadian Maritimes, where there are several hundred species, maybe Goblet-shaped cups atop a short stalk (podetium) to ≤ 3 cm tall LiChen: isidia: Cladoniathat cristatella reinforces the same terms. When a lichen doesn’t have a particular None Common more. After consulting with regional lichenologists we selected field- s name: feature, the template will tell you so. Where possible, we have described oredia: identifiablehen: Britishstereocaulon soldiers common species that dactylophyllum occur in the Maritimes. Most also occur Granular; covering the cup inside and out, stopping part way down name LiC Fingerleaf foam lichen origins: name:the Greek (G.) and Latin (L.) origins of the species’ names. the stalk where it becomes corticate (smooth) to the base in Newfoundland,Cladonia (G.) = Que´bec,with branches Ontario or stalks;and much cristatella of New (L.) England. = To the small-crested,Common referring to theStereoThis apothecia is(G.) not = a firm, comprehensive caulon (G.) guide = stalk; to alldactylo lichens (G.) in the= Northeast and apothe origins: Cia: carefulame observer they should be identifiable in the field using only a hand Bright red, usually on short proliferations on the cup margins found: On rottingn logs, stumps,Canadian at the bases Maritimes, of trees where and on there soil are several hundred species, maybe rhizines: lens.finger We also or chosedigit, phyllumto highlight (G.) some= leaf lichens which are either at risk or None CoLor: d Gray-green in shade On rockto yellow-greenmore. in the After open consulting in sun (color with tab regional is red, due lichenologists to we selected field- istinC considered rare, so that collectors will be cautious about collecting these tiVe Features: the eye-catchingfound: apothecia) identifiable common species that occur in the Maritimes. Most also occur granular soredia Bright-red apothecia on yellow-green cup margins; lichensL or:or otherwise Gray to white damaging their habitats. shape/size: Co Clumpsin Newfoundland, of solid (not hollow),Que´bec, 0.5–2 Ontario mm and stalks much grow of New England. Toapothecia the soredia notes: Groups of small cylindrical stalks (podetia) Of the several goblet-shaped species of branched once orshape/size: Wetwice encouragecareful anyone observer with an theyinterest should in lichens be identifiable to use our in guidethe field as using only a hand C. chlorophaea (p. 114) is most similar in appearance, but it has brown a startingvertically point. or horizontally, usually on horizontal rock surfaces; isidia: aeomyces Brown rufus beret lichen None Lichenslens. of WeNorth also America chose andto highlight≤ 4 cm high, some often lichens which are either at riskmany- or B name: Cladonia in the Northeast, apothecia. Of thoseLiC withhen: red apothecia, and othersmall, references white, (see leaf-like outgrowths (phyllocladia) are shaped branched Common soredia: considered rare, so that collectors will be cautious about collecting these cups Baeomyces (G.) = small mushroom, referring to None Macrolichens of New EnglandMacrolichens of New England young, but it has fine, powdery sorediaorigins: and the cups are more irregular. details on alike greater a hand numberFurther of lichens Reading for those who want to study them in ame apothe n C. deformis Cia: None lichens or otherwise ,damaging p. 167) will their provide habitats. additional, p. 167) will provide additional Cladonia coccifera is quite similar when Brightearnest. red,isidia: atop the stalks (podetia);We encourage often spilling anyone over inwith an interest in lichens to use our guide as and the shape of the apothecia; rufus (L.) = reddish brown, the color ungainly clumps None Lichens of North America and C. borealis oredia: Further Reading ered with larger, plate-like also granules have red that apothecia, have a cortex; but they this are can cov be rhizines: s Usually plentiful; small, flat or convex at the tips of the branches; of the apothecia None Cia: a starting point. On rock, occasionally on soil; usually in shaded, damp apothe difficult to see without a microscope. distin Found: - Cti and other references (see Ve features: light to dark brown apothecia n Red fruiting bodies atop green podetia catch the eye areas, often near water otes: Cladonia cristatella Nonedetails on a Solidgreater stalks number covered of lichens with small, for those white who outgrowths want to study them in hizines: in the Northeast. They Lor: Thallus gray-green (wet in photo) r e features: Co The outside surface of the is podetia widespreadC timayV andbeearnest. bumpy, common. but There is never are no cups.Stereocaulon istin Solid with a few cracks to granular (see drawing) to flattened, powdery. Other soil lichensd with red apothecia may be gray shape/size: (phyllocladia) usually shaped like a hand ish ( C. floerkeana There are over a dozen species of tiny squamules, especially at the edges ) or powderyn otes:on the stalk surface ( 132 p. 131) or have cups ( soiL Li None grow on soil and rock and are difficult- to tell apart without a microscope C hens isidia: C. pleurota C. macilenta Occasional may be necessary. , p. 132), so close examination , soredia: and chemical tests. The white outgrowths have varying shapes; some Cia: Reddish brown, usually on tiny, pale stalks with overhanging apothecia apothe stalks are fuzzy (tomentose); and cyanobacteria in cephalodia on the edges like tiny berets stalks may occur in clusters like grapes, filaments or scattered granules. - None Small, stalked, brown berets on a greenish thallus C ommon Some sites will have more than one species covering the area like foam. rhizines: Features: L i C hens of northeastern north ameri tiVe may occur with - C C a 155 distin i Baeomyces rufus 2 introdu make this lichen fairly recognizable C tion C a 133 Dibaeis baeomyces (p. 134) also has stalked apothecia, but they are pink notes: and it occurs almost exclusively on soil. L i C hens of northeastern north amer C ommon out apothecia. In that case, it might be confused with other green, nona C tion potheciate, crustose lichens; chemical tests are required to distinguish 2 introdu them.
C hens k Li roC 154 OMPHALINA 17 The Bishop’s Sketchbook
1818 OOMPHALINAMPHALINA the mail bag or why the passenger pigeons assigned to serve the lavish Corporate and Editorial offices of OMPHALINA get hernias
ERRATA: We apologize to Rick van de Poll and Susan Goldhor for misspelling their names in the story from Mt Washington [Om p h a l i n a 6(6):9-13]. At least Susan’s was correct two times out of three, but poor Rick only had one appearance—during which we had a regrettable lapse. Andrus & Maria Voitk
I liked your Mt Washington story. Too bad that the weather was not more cooperative. When it is beautiful, it is really beautiful. This picture of Mt. W. dressed up for autumn gives you an idea of what it can be like at its best. I guess now would be too cold to find the little mushroom you were after. It is shocking, what happened about your permit to collect, after the assurances you had. I am embarrassed that this should have happened to you as a visitor to our country and state. I hope it can be straightened out shortly, so that you can get the specimens you collected curated, as you wish. If your provisional identifications prove correct, these are some spe- cies we did not know we had here. If you think there is something we could do here to help, please let me know. Thank you, Susan. Incredible shot. And thank you for your offer to help with the permit. I have spoken to some officials, and everybody seems All the best! interested in resolving this issue. The problem is that clearly the gov- Susan Goldhor ernment does not have a procedure for retroactive application, but with good will it will all work out, I’m sure. Ed.
Om p h a l i n a Thanks for the latest . I was delighted Permit follow-up. to see the picture with you, Susan Goldhor, Of the five specimens we collected, four were Aron Bernstein and Larry Millman, A couple on state-administered land and one on federally of years ago I stayed with Susan and Aron for administered land. We have since received two days at their home in Cambridge. These the retroactive permit for the state-regulated are really nice people. Larry came over one specimens, and at least one is already having its night for dinner. Say Hi to them. DNA analyzed. The feds tell us that a permit for Dave Malloch the other is only a whisk away. Ed.: OK, Dave. Hi, Susan, Aron, Larry! OMPHALINA 19 ERRATUM: Amanita bisporigera—NOT In a previous issue [Om p h a l i n a 6(6):14-15] we said the photos on the left were of Amanita bisporigera. Two Amanita experts immediately recognized that they were a different (and undescribed) species. There is no evidence that A. bisporigera grows in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here is Yves Lamoureux:
Maybe I missed it in the text because I oak, beech, hickory, linden; and the missed my morning coffee, but are the bigger A. “gigavirosa” Y. Lamoureux, specimens of Amanita bisporigera in the ined., 4-spored, fruiting from August to title banner describing amatoxin poisoning October, in mixed coniferous woods with from NL? That title banner shows A. birch, apparently a strict birch associate. bisporigera, but the illustrations on the The mushrooms illustrated seem to be next page show a different species. this latter species. Earlier Rod Tulloss Here in QC, we have two species in the considered it to be a variation of A. Virosa group: the lean A. bisporigera, bisporigera, and I don’t know whether he 2-spored, fruiting June to mid-Sept. with has changed his mind since. We asked Rod. Veterans of our forays will remember Rod as a member of our faculty 2003-2005. He has built up an Amanita collection of global scope, including a good representation from our province. His collection is the focus of much research activity, and he has been very diligent in notifying us of new findings related to any of our specimens. Rod answered that sequencing has shown our white Amanita to be a new species, which he calls Amanita “amerivirosa” on his website
Ed comment Naming things around plans to follow with formal descrip- us is inherent to mankind as an effort tion, many of us, fuelled by our re- to know them. Local common names spect for these experts, may assume served this purpose well, but scientists that the names are legitimate, and soon discovered that because these keen to be up to date, we rush to use differed from region to region, it was them. In this electronic age, it will not difficult to be sure one spoke about the take too long, before foray lists, club same thing. In an effort to avoid con- newsletters, blogs, and even new texts fusion, scientists devised a formal sys- will be filled with invalid names. tem that uses the same scientific name Further investigation may cause such for an organism all over the world. names to change or others may de- Formal description and naming of scribe the entities with other names, new taxa is the last step of discovery. but the invalid names will remain It requires discipline to devote some floating, adding to the noise and con- productive time to the required “paper fusion. As we see above, investigators work”, but bypassing this step may may work in relative isolation, creat- add unwanted confusion. ing several different personal pet/ Investigators often use code names— code names for the same organism. either alphanumeric (AmaSp-072c) or Without a valid scientific name, my- descriptive (sturdy white Amanita)— cophiles around one expert will use to designate entities until they gather “his” invalid name as a legitimate sci- sufficient information to be able to entific name and those around anoth- describe them formally. Some prefer er, that person’s, thus bringing us back to use “scientific-looking” or “Latin- to the local common name situation. sounding” code names. A potential difficulty arises because such personal If the system we have in place for code names resemble legitimate sci- describing, naming and classifying entific binomials. If after such naming organisms no longer serves our needs, by all means, let us scrap it and build a Photos: Andrus Voitk Photos: the investigators make no seeming better one. Until then… 20 OMPHALINA OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
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