05 ⚠️ Important Disclaimer
introduction
The stem (also known as the stem or mushroom stem) is a structure connecting the cap to the matrix. It not only assumes the supporting function, but also has important characteristics in identification.In particular, the structure of the base of the stem - such as the rings and trunks - is often the key clue to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic mushrooms.This guide will systematically introduce how to observe and record various characteristics of stalks.
Basic structure of stalk
Trapezoid function
- Support cap to maintain proper height
- Good for spore transmission
- Connect mycelium to fruiting bodies
- Convey nutrients and water
Stomach area
- Top (attached cap)
- Central
- Base (connecting matrix)
- Each region's characteristics may be different
There are sterile stems
- Most mushrooms have fungus stems
- Some wood-breeding species have sterile stems or very short stalks (lateral, partial)
- Position of stem: mesogenesis, partial growth, lateral growth
Stomach shape and size
Height measurement
- From base to cap connection
- Use centimeters as units
- Record range (multiple specimens)
- Pay attention to whether the underground part is included
Coarse measurement
- Measure diameter in the middle of the stem
- Note that the top and base may be different
- Recording is as rough as it is
Common shape types
Equal
- The thickness of the upper and lower parts is basically the same
- The most common types
- Upright, even
Attenuated Upward
- Gradually thinning upward
- The base is thicker
- Conical appearance
Attenuated Downward
- Gradually thinning downward
- The top is thicker
- Inverted cone
Bulbous base (Bulbous)
- The base is enlarged into a spherical shape
- Important features of Amanita
- May be buried by soil and need to be excavated
Club Clavate
- The base gradually becomes thicker
- Like stick shape
- More progressive than bulbous
Spindle shape (Fusiform)
- The thickest in the middle
- Both ends are thinner
- Spindle
Rooting
- The base extends into a root structure
- Deep into the soil or wood
- Need to be fully dug out to observe
Curved or twisted (Curved/Twisted)
- Not upright
- It may be caused by the growth environment
- or species characteristics
Measurement record example
Characteristics of the surface of stalk
Surface texture
Smooth
- No obvious texture
- Possibly shiny
- Common Types
Fibrous
- Longitudinal fiber clear
- Possible torn into fiber bundles
- Touch to feel the texture
Scaly
- Scaly surface
- Scale may:
- Upright
- Pingfu
- Concentric circle arrangement
- Spread
Pruinose
- Fine powdery substances on the surface
- Like frost
- Counter-viewing with a magnifying glass
-May be wiped by touch
Sticky (Viscid)
- Sticky when wet
- May be shiny after drying
- Characteristics of certain genera
Rough
- Not smooth
- Grainy touch
Reticulate
- The surface has a mesh texture
- Key features of certain boletus
- Usually obvious in the upper part
Surface color
Observation points
- Overall base color
- Color variation from top to base
- Color of surface decoration
Common Patterns
- Uniform monochromatic
-Shallower at the top and deeper at the base
- Colored spots or stripes
- Comparison of fiber or scale color with background color
Color discoloration reaction
- Change color after touch
- Change color after scratches
- Blue Change (Some Boletus)
- Browning, blackening
- Record the color change speed
Internal structure
Solid or hollow
Solid
- Filled with mushrooms inside
- Solid touch
- Young mushrooms are common
Hollow
- Interior hollow
- Maybe it's hollow since childhood
- Or become hollow when mature
- Gently squeezed to feel
Stuffed
- There is soft mycelium inside
- Between solid and hollow
-May become hollow after maturity
Inspection method
- Longitudinal slit observation
- Gently squeeze the feeling
- Comparison of specimens of different ages
Internal color and texture
- Possibly different from the outside color
- Texture of the fungus (crunchy, tough, fibrous)
- Color discoloration reaction
Separability
Fragility
- Fragile and easy to break (certain types)
- Tough and hard to break (common types of wood)
- Fiber (tearable into fiber bundles)
Separation from the cap
- Easy to isolate (boletus)
- Difficult to isolate (most mushrooms)
- The appearance of the separation
Annulus
What is a bacterial ring
definition
- Annular structure on the stem
- Residue of the bacterial curtain (the membrane connecting the edge of the cover and the stem)
- Important identification characteristics
- The logo of certain poisonous mushrooms
Formation process
- The complete bacterial screen in childhood
- The bacterial curtain tear when the cap is unfolded
- Remaining on the stalk to form a ring
Bacteria ring type
Persistent
- Sturdy, not easy to fall off
- Clearly visible
- Characteristics of Amanita
Fragile ring (Fragile)
- Thin, easy to fall off
- Only ring marks may be left
- juvenile specimens need to be observed
Double Ring
- Two-layer structure
- Certain kinds of characteristics
- Probably a bilayer bacterial screen
Movable ring
- Can be moved on the stem
- Certain genus genus
- Not tightly connected to the sterile stalk
Pendant
- Dangling like a skirt
- Common Types
Superior
- Flip the edge upward
- Rare
Bacteria ring location
Superior
- Close to the sterilized cover
- Upper part of the stem
Median ring
- Middle stalk
Lower ring (Inferior)
- Close to the base
- Rare
Identification of location
- Specific locations of certain genera
- Used in conjunction with other features
Characteristics of bacterial rings
- Color (upper surface and lower surface may be different)
- Striped or smooth
- thickness
- Is it easy to fall off
The absence of bacterial rings
- Many mushrooms do not have fungal rings
- Elderly specimens may fall off
- Leave only ring marks (ring area)
- Carefully observe the middle and upper part of the stalk
Volva
What is a fungal tract
definition
- Sheath-like structure at the base of the stem
- Residue of the pelvic curtain (the membrane that wraps the entire juvenile fruiting body)
- Key features of Amanita
- Many deadly poisonous mushrooms have fungus
Formation process
- When I was young, the whole mushroom was wrapped in an outer fungus screen ("egg" shape)
- Bacteria curtain rupture during growth
- Remaining at the base to form bacterial trachea
- Remaining warts or plaques on the cover
Type of trench
Saccate/Cup-like
- like a cup or bag to wrap the base
- Clear sheath-like structure
- Characteristics of deadly species such as death caps
- Possibly buried in the soil partly or entirely
Bractary
- Broken into bracts or scales
- Surrounding the base
- Probably not obvious
Collar-like
- Annular ridge at the base
- Not an obvious sheath
Disappearing
- Existed as a child
- Almost disappeared after maturity
- Leave only traces
Observe the importance of trench
Characteristics of life
- Many of the deadliest mushrooms have fungus
- Death caps (Amanita phalloides) have cystic trays
- Even if it looks like an edible type, beware of bacterial stents
Must be mined
- Fungus troughs are often buried by soil or fallen leaves
- Do not just remove the steril during collection
- Must be dug out from the base with a knife
- "Not seeing the bacterial trolley" does not mean "no bacterial trolley"
Checklist
- Always dig out mushrooms intact
- Remove soil and debris from the base
- Double check for any sheath-like or ring-like structures
- If you have any questions, treat it as a sterilizer
Key points for description of bacterial tracts
- Type (cystic, bract-shaped, etc.)
- color
- Texture
- Size
- Is it easy to see
Connection between stalk and cyst
Connection method
Middle school (Central)
- The stem is located in the center of the cap
- Most common
- Cap symmetry
Excentric
- Trapezoid deviates from the center
- Incomplete symmetrical cap
Lateral
- The stem grows from the side of the cap
- Common in wood-born species
- Oyster mushroom characteristics
Sessile
- Sterile or sterile stalk is very short
- Directly attached to the matrix
- Certain porous and lamellar bacteria
Features at the connection
- Is there any depression
- Does the color change
- Is it easy to separate
Connection between the base of the stem and the matrix
Growth matrix
Terrestrial
- Grow directly from the soil
- Probably mycorrhizal association
- Probably saprophytic
Lignicolous
- Growing on wood
- Live trees, dead trees, stumps, buried trees
- Wood decayer
Coprophilous
- Growing on feces
- Certain genus genus
- Specific ecological types
Gramineous
- Growing on the grass
- Grassroots Relationship
Base morphology
Radicating
- The base extends into root shape
- Deep into the soil or wood
- Need to be fully digged and observed
Attached Material
- Base attached matrix
- Soil, wood chips, mycelium bundles
- Provide ecological clues
Mycelium tows (Rhizomorphs)
- There is a distinct mycelium bundle at the base
- Black or white thread like roots
- Characteristics of certain genera (such as honey cyperus)
Special stalk type
Gelatinous stem (Gelatinous)
- The bacterial stalk has a colloidal layer
- Smooth touch
- Certain kinds of characteristics
Latex
- Milk leaks after cutting
- Key features of Lactobacillus
- Record milk color and color changes
Color discoloration reaction
- Some types change color quickly after cutting
- Blue, brown, red
- Both speed and intensity must be recorded
Microscopic features of stalks (advanced)
Cystidia
- Special cells on the surface of the stem
- Need to observe by microscope
- Professional identification may be required
Mycelium type
- Reproductive filaments
- Skeletal filaments
- Binding filaments
- Affect the texture of the stem
Observation and recording skills
Complete collection
- Digging from the base with a knife
- Keep the complete base structure
- Don't pull it up with your hands
Cleaning observation
- Gently brush away the soil
- Do not rinse with water (it will conceal the stickyness)
- Keep the original state to take photos
Vertical observation
- Cut along the axis
- Observe the internal structure
- Record color discoloration reactions
Record template
Standardized records
Trapezoid description template:
Size: Length [X] cm, thick top [X] cm, thick base [X] cm
Shape: [isocoarse/bulbous/conical/etc]
Surface: [smooth/fibrous/scaly/slimy/etc]
Color: [Describe color and distribution]
Interior: [Solid/Hollow/Sponge-like]
Texture: [Tough/fragile/Fibrous]
Bacteria ring: [With/None]
If: Position [up/mid/lower], type [persistent/frailty], description
Fungus: [With/None]
If: Type [cystic/bractal], description
Note: Completely dug up and checked
Base: [form], connecting matrix [soil/wood/etc]
Special features: [Colour Discoloration/Milk/Other]
Sample Record
Red flags - The importance of trench and rings
Fatal combination
White Bacteria Fold + Bacteria Ring + Bacteria Stool = Highly alert!
This combination describes Amanita, including:
- Death hat (Amanita phalloides)
- Angel of Destruction (Amanita virosa)
- Other deadly species
Although not all Amanita is toxic and some are edible, this requires expert identification.Beginners should avoid collecting any mushrooms that match this description.
Checklist
□ Always dig out the mushrooms intact
□ Remove soil and debris from the base
□ Carefully check the bacterial tracts and rings
□ Do not collect food if you have any questions
□ Take a close-up photo of the base
Common Errors and Avoidance
Error 1: No base mining
- Consequence: Missing the fungus tract may be fatal
- Avoid: Always dig out from the base with a knife
Error 2: Ignore the residue of bacterial rings
- Consequence: Missing important features
- Avoid: Check the ring marks in the middle and upper part of the stalk
Error 3: Only part of it is described
- Consequence: Incomplete records
- Avoid: Full view from top to base
Error 4: Not measuring
- Consequence: It is difficult to compare with reference books
- Avoid: Use rulers to measure key dimensions
Error 5: Ignore the internal structure
- Consequence: Missing important features such as hollow/solid
- Avoid: Cut at least one specimen
Practical application cases
Case 1: Identification of suspicious Amanita
Observation focus:
- Is there a tray at the base of the stem (must be excavated and checked)
- Is there a bacterial ring
- Cover color (but not reliable)
- Are the bacteria folds free and white
Safety principles:
- If there are bacterial trenches and rings, be wary of
- Never eat when you are uncertain
Case 2: Identification of boletus
Observation focus:
- Is there any reticular mark on the surface of the stalk
- Is it blue or not
- Is the stalk thick?
- Base shape
Case 3: Distinguish between edible and toxic species
Many poisonous mushrooms imitate edible types:
- Carefully check the base (bacterial tract)
- Check the bacterial ring
- Combining multiple features
- If there is any difference, give up
in conclusion
The characteristics of the stem and base play a key role in mushroom identification, especially the two structures of the ring and the trunk. Their presence or absence can often classify mushrooms into specific families or genus.More importantly, these characteristics are crucial for safe identification – many of the deadliest mushrooms are marked by fungal troughs and rings.
Key points:
- Always dig out the mushrooms intact, check the base
- Bacteria truncated and rings are life-critical characteristics
- Measure and record accurate dimensions
- Observe all changes from top to base
- Incide at least one specimen to observe the interior
Remember: Invisible bacterial stents does not mean there is no bacterial stent!It may be buried in the soil.This simple check can save your life.
Combined with the observation of bacterial caps, pleats and stalks, you have now mastered the three pillars of mushroom morphology identification.Keep learning spore printing, ecological characteristics and other tips and you will be able to identify more and more mushroom species safely and accurately.
I wish you careful observation and safe identification!
1. Life safety first: There are inherent risks in the identification of wild mushrooms.Many toxic mushrooms look very similar to edible mushrooms, and accidentally ingesting them can lead to serious illness or even death.
2. Professional identification required: Before eating any wild mushrooms, 100% confirmation must be performed by a professional mycologist or certified mushroom identification expert.Photos, text descriptions and personal experience are not sufficient to ensure safety.
3. Individual Differences: Even recognized edible mushrooms may cause adverse reactions due to factors such as personal constitution, allergic reactions, consumption method or mushroom growth environment.Try in small quantities when eating a new variety for the first time.
4. Geographical differences: There are huge differences in mushroom species and toxicity in different regions.The information mentioned in this article may not apply to your region.Please consult local mycology experts and authoritative organizations.
5. Professional Responsibility: The author and the publisher shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damage, disease or loss arising from the use of the information in this article.
- ✅ Participate in formal mushroom identification training courses
- ✅ Join the local mycology association or mushroom club
- ✅ Purchase cultivated mushrooms from reliable sources
- ✅ Save mushroom samples for emergency medical needs
- ✅ Do not eat it if you have any doubts