Matthew E. Smith

0000-0002-0878-0932

Bird's Nest Fungi: Charismatic Mushrooms in Your Garden

Nattapol Kraisitudomsook yMatthew E. Smith

The "bird's nest" fungi (Nidulariaceae) are charismatic mushrooms that look like small nests containing multiple tiny eggs. Because the ecological role of bird's nest fungi is to decompose wood, they are extremely common in disturbed areas with plant debris and mulch, such as trails and backyard gardens. These fungi tend to grow in large clusters, so it is common to see ten to a hundred of these "nests" at once. Bird's nest fungi are not considered dangerous to plants, animals, or humans.

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus species complex)

Brianna Benitez, Claudia A. Paez, Matthew E. Smith, Jason A. Smith, yJason A. Smith

Members of the Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill species complex, also known as "chicken of the woods," are wood-decay fungi that are widely distributed in North America. All of the species of the "chicken of the woods" group cause brown rot in a variety of tree host species, and this brown rot can cause wood to lose its structural integrity and turn powdery. Fruiting bodies in this group can be recognized by their bright yellow-orange colors and their soft, suede-like texture.

Macrocybe titans: The Mushroom Giant of the Western Hemisphere

Elena Karlsen-Ayala yMatthew E. Smith

This document is about Macrocybe titans, the largest known gilled mushroom in the Western Hemisphere. It explores the species’ taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and geographic distribution, highlighting its presence in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas. The mushroom is notable for its massive size, saprobic lifestyle, and adaptability to disturbed habitats. The document also discusses its identification methods, potential edibility, and hypotheses regarding its spread and ecological role. Original publication date February 2020.

The Laccate Ganoderma of the Southeastern United States: A Cosmopolitan and Important Genus of Wood Decay Fungi

Andrew Loyd, Jason A. Smith, Brantlee S. Richter, Robert A. Blanchette, Matthew E. Smith, yJason A. Smith

Ganoderma Karst. is a large and diverse genus of wood decay fungi that can rot the roots and/or lower trunk of many tree species. There are several laccate (varnished or polished) Ganoderma species that are found in the southeastern United States. These species can be recognized by their shiny, reddish-brown, and shelf-like fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies have a pale pore surface on the bottom that darkens with age or handling and can be stipitate (stem present) or sessile (stem absent). Laccate Ganoderma species fruit year-round in most parts of the southeastern United States, but fruiting may be restricted to warm months in northern areas. When Ganoderma fruiting bodies are observed, it is an indication that wood decay is active, whether on fallen logs, buried roots, or the trunks of living or dead trees.

Stinkhorn Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes: Phallales: Phallaceae)

Eleanor Phillips, Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, and Matthew E. Smith

The Pecan Truffle (Tuber lyonii): A Gourmet Truffle Native to the Southeastern US

Arthur C. Grupe II, Timothy Brenneman, Gregory Bonito, and Matthew E. Smith

The Green-Spore Poison Parasol Mushroom, Chlorophyllum molybdites

Lisbeth Espinoza and Matthew E. Smith

Relampago Blight Disease Caused by the Fungus Parvodontia relampaga

Katy Deitz, Alassane Sow, Claudia A. Paez, Jeffrey Eickwort, Michelle A. Jusino, yMatthew E. Smith

Starting in 2019 in northern and central Florida, a thread blight caused by a previously undescribed fungus was observed with increasing frequency, affecting both hardwood and conifer hosts with a higher prevalence in wet, shaded environments. This emerging disease, called relampago blight, is caused by the fungus Parvodontia relampaga and is characterized by its distinct white, lightning-shaped rhizomorphs (fungal cords) that grow on the stems and branches of affected host plants. When the fungus fully develops, it can also grow on the undersides of plant leaves, causing dieback of leaves and small branches. This fungus has been found on a wide array of host plants and detected in 31 counties throughout Florida.

The Common Chanterelles (Cantharellus and Craterellus) of Florida

Kaori Hall, Ben Lemmond, Ben Lemmond, yMatthew E. Smith

This document is intended to introduce the general public to the chanterelle mushrooms of Florida and includes a preliminary key to Florida’s most common chanterelle species.

Odd Fruits: Gall and Leaf Spot Diseases Caused by Exobasidium Fungi

C. Benton Willis, Michael Goodnight, Jessica Velte, Marin T. Brewer, yMatthew E. Smith

Exobasidium fungi are plant pathogens that primarily infect plants in the Ericaceae family, including blueberries and azaleas. Their infections cause plant cells to proliferate (hyperplasia) and expand (hypertrophy). The fungi then use the increased surface area to produce spores. These changes manifest as symptoms on the host plant, varying by species of Exobasidium. The range of symptoms includes leaf and fruit spots, blisters, shoot proliferation (witches' broom), and galls. Infected plant tissues can also become swollen and distorted, as well as chlorotic (yellow) or discolored (reddish to pink). As this infected tissue matures, the surface becomes white and powdery from fungal spore production. Exobasidium fungi tend to cause symptoms on the plant during ideal weather conditions but can likely survive on the leaf surface or other available substrates year-round. Disease management includes chemical applications and cultural practices before the spores have the chance to mature.

A Basic Guide to Mushrooms Commonly Encountered in Potted Plants in Florida

Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Romina Gazis, and Matthew E. Smith

Mushrooms growing in potting soil are a common problem reported in nursery production and in potted plants in the indoor and outdoor home landscape. Many of these fungi are saprotrophic and feed on the organic matter contained in the potting soil itself and/or in the mulch, which varies in composition but often contains tree bark, wood chips, pine straw, moss, or leaves. These fungi are not necessarily harmful to the plants, but fungal fruiting bodies can make plants unmarketable. Unknown fungi can also be concerning to retailers and homeowners because of potential toxicity to pets and children. The purpose of this publication is to provide homeowners and retail nursery growers with an overview of some of the most common mushroom-forming fungi found in potted plants and potting soils in Florida. We also provide cultural control recommendations to help prevent or reduce mushroom growth.

Marasmius vagus (the Wandering Creamsicle), One of Florida’s Most Common Lawn Mushrooms

Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith

Marasmius vagus is one of the most common lawn mushrooms in the state of Florida. The purpose of this publication is to introduce Floridians to this mushroom, provide basic information about its biology, and aid in identification. Written by Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, February 2024.

Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus species) of Florida

Ansley Burtch yMatthew E. Smith

Oyster mushrooms (species in the genus Pleurotus) are common edible fungi that grow year-round in Florida. They can often be found growing from wood in shelf-like clusters in both urban and natural environments. They are also one of the most popular genera of cultivated mushrooms, and several species are commonly sold in grocery stores. Oyster mushrooms belong to the genus Pleurotus, and all known species are edible. However, some similar-looking mushrooms can be poisonous, so always use extreme caution when consuming mushrooms that were not cultivated for the purpose of human consumption. This publication is intended to introduce the general public to the oyster mushrooms of Florida.