Glossary of Terms

Note: The following post is not meant to be a definitive list of mycological terms, but a constantly evolving set of common names, abbreviations, and terms that both novice mushroom hunter and advanced mycologist can use as a reference. All links currently lead to wikipedia.


Agaric - the mycological term for a fruiting body of fungus which has a pileus (typically referred to as the cap), stipe (stalk or stem), and lamellae (gills). i.e. the typical mushroom.

Annulus - the mycological term for a remnant of a partial veil. This is often a key identifying feature of wild mushrooms. See also: skirt.

Button - the common term for an immature mushroom. A button is often covered by a partial or universal veil.

Cap - the common term for the saucer-like structure that sits atop the stipe of a mushroom. The lamella are typically located underneath this structure. See also: pileus.

Fairy Ring - the name for a group of mushrooms that form a circle or oval shaped fruiting pattern. This is often caused by the natural circular growth of the mycelium underneath the ground.

Gills - the common term for the plate-like structures underneath the pileus (cap) of mushrooms. These structures harbor spores until they are mature. See also: lamella.

Lamella - the mycological term for the plate-like structures underneath the pileus (cap) of mushrooms. These structures harbor spores until they are mature. See also: gills.

LBM - abbrev. of little brown mushroom.

Little Brown Mushroom - one of a number of smaller brown or dust colored agaric species which have few unique identifying characteristics. This makes it difficult to identify specimens without the use of a microscope and a deep understanding of each genus or group. This is why most amateur mushroom hunters simply refer to them as LBM's.

MH - abbrev. of mushroom hunter.

Mushroom - the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting body of a fungus. Although this term is most accurately associated with agaric species, most mushroom hunters use the term "mushroom to refer to any fruiting body.

Mushroom Hunting - the process of finding mushrooms in their wild environment. One who hunts mushrooms is a mushroom hunter.

Mycelium - the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Mycelium can be compared to the roots of a tree or plant as it performs the same function.

Mycology - the study of mushrooms. One who studies mycology is called a mycologist.

Mycophagy - The act of eating fungi - especially mushrooms. One who eats mushrooms is called a mycophagist.

Mycophobia - The fear of mushrooms - particularly eating them.

Parasite - a term used to describe fungi which obtain their sustenance from living tissue.

Premature Decay - a term used to describe mushroom decay that happens before the mushroom hunter has a chance to properly preserve his or her find.

Pileus - the mycological term for the saucer-like structure that sits atop the stipe of a mushroom. The lamella are typically located underneath this structure. See also: cap.

Saprotroph - a term used to describe fungi which obtain their sustenance from dead or decaying matter.

Skirt - the common term for the remnant of a partial veil. This is often a key identifying feature of wild mushrooms. See also: annulus.

Spore - the reproductive structure of fungi. These are comparable to the seeds of typical plants.

Spore Print - a process in which an imprint of the spores and gills of a capped mushroom is left on a medium (commonly plain black or white paper). This process leaves something much like a mushroom fingerprint and reveals the spore color of the mushroom in question. Spore printing is often a key step in identifying some species.

Stipe - the mycological term for the stalk or stem of a mushroom.

Veil, partial - the mycological term for a fungal structure which runs from either the base or middle of the stipe to the edge of pileus during the development of a mushroom. This veil protects the stipe and lamella while the mushroom matures. Once the mushroom reaches an appropriate size the veil ruptures and may leave remnants that become the volva and the annulus (although not always).

Veil, universal - the mycological term for a fungal structure which covers the entire mushroom during its development. This veil protects the entire mushroom as it matures. Once the mushroom reaches an appropriate size the veil ruptures and may leave remnants that become the volva, the annulus, and warts or patches on the pileus (although not always).

Volva - the mycological term for the cup-like structure at the base of the stalk of some mushrooms. This cup is a remnant of a partial or universal veil and is often a crucial identifying feature of wild mushrooms.