FIELD BOOK OF COMMON GILLED MUSHROOMS 



according to its environment, being larger in moist soils and 

 in wet weather and smaller in dry soil and dry weather. The 

 plants have several times been eaten raw by me and while 

 they have a nutty flavor and odor, the taste is not entirely 

 agreeable in this condition, because of the accompanying slimy 

 sensation. Atkinson. 



The genus Panus 



The mushrooms belonging to this white-spored genus are 

 leathery fungi, growing on wood. When matiire they are 

 tough and hard. Their caps shrivel when dry but revive when 

 moist. The gills extend down the stem (decurrent) when there 

 is one. The stem is usually attached to the cap aside from 

 the center and in many species are found at its edge or are 

 even lacking altogether. 



Some authorities class the mushrooms of this genus among 

 the Lentinuses. The principal feature that distinguishes 

 Panus from that genus is the fact that the edges of its gills are 

 entire, that is, they are not serrate or saw-toothed. 



Species of Panus 

 Panus strigosus. Species 98. Figure 28. 

 On stumps, especially oak; in clusters or singly; September; 

 harmless. 



Cap white; covered with hairs; margin thin 8 inches broad 

 or larger. 



Gills broad; far apart; extending down the stem (decurrent). 

 Stem attached to the edge of the cap; hairy like the cap. 

 Spores white; elongated-oblong; 11-13 x 3.5-4-5 rnicron in 

 diameter. 



A remarkably handsome fungus. Its creamy whiteness and 

 short, hairy stem make it unmistakable among other tree 

 fungi. It is edible when young but it soon becomes woody. 

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