Fig. 2.30Two examples of edible gilled fungi. (a) A typical cluster of basidiocarps of Pleurotus ostreatus, the “oyster
fungus” (each about 10 cm diameter) growing on a log. The gills are pure white, and the upper surface is mauve-
brown. (b) The orange-yellow colored chanterelle, Cantharellus cibarius, which typically grows on mossy banks beneath
birch trees.Fig. 2.31The “ink caps” (Coprinusspp.) and related fungi, commonly found on animal dung or in composts. Typically,
the basidiocarps develop rapidly but last for only a short time. The cap containing the gills then senesces (deliquesces)
from the base upwards, dripping an inky fluid containing the black basidiospores. Mycological enthusiasts have been
known to write with this material, but that was before computers! (a) Coprinus comatus(known as shaggy cap, or lawyer’s
wig), about 15 cm tall at maturity. (b) Similar basidiocarps 2–3 days after maturity and showing deliquescence.
(c) A related genus, Psathyrella, growing on an agar plate. Coprinusand related species are among the few mushroom-
producing fungi that can be grown easily in agar culture. They have been used extensively in genetical and develop-
mental studies. (Images courtesy of Maria Chamberlain.)(a) (b) (c)(a) (b)FB4eC02 04/20/2005 02:52PM Page 38