Step 7

Choose one option from each numbered pair or set

7. Fungus is round, with no gills, pores, teeth, etc. visible anywhere. Some species may have a pedestal, white root-like growth, or stalk at the base. ALWAYS SLICE IN HALF TOP TO BOTTOM such round fungi; important identification characteristics are inside.

7a. Growing above ground. After slicing, inside is uniformly white and solid, to yellow-green (may be soft or squishy), to dark brown and dusty. Bottom part may have different texture andd/or color.
GO TO PUFFBALLS & FALSE PUFFBALLS

7b. Growing above ground. Slicing cross section reveals a vertical streak or stripe of lighter colored tissue, analogous to a stem surrounded by spore-bearing tissue which is often green to dark brown. Often dry and dusty. Spore-bearing tissue may resemble deformed gills or pore.
GO TO SECOTIOID FUNGI

7c. Usually growing underground or at least under duff. Slicing cross-section reveals convoluted brain-like folds of tissue, sometimes with air pockets or pockets of gel-like substance. Interior may be oily-looking, spongy, dusty, or have multiple types of tissue present. Some species may have a stalk-like stripe running up from the base. Texture is often firm; many species will bounce if dropped on a hard surface, and most have a distinct odor, whether agreeable or not. Associated with trees.
GO TO TRUFFLES