Friday, January 3, 2014

Rosslyn mushroom discussed on Mushroom Observer

Rosslyn's extraordinary mushroom is being scrutinized by mushroom experts around the world on leading mushroom site Mushroom Observer. The tentative conclusions are deeply troubling.  This appears to be a KILLER MUSHROOM.  Mushroom authority Danny Newman stated:
The very presence of a fruiting body is indicative of mycelial colonization having become more or less systemic throughout the tree. A local arborist should have the last word on what to do.   Saving it is likely out of the question. It may also be at risk of falling.
In the language of news reports, this large, majestic white oak may be doomed.  This tree is located at the corner of Nash St. and 14th in Rosslyn, about 200 yards west of the Iwo Jima Memorial.  The Ode Street Tribune will bring it to the attention of local Urban Forest Ranger Steve Campbell and the Arlington County Department of Environmental Services.

As always, stay alert and be careful if you venture out of bed.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would like to bring your readers up to date on the latest findings about Rosslyn’s extraordinary mushroom. What is growing on that tree is more than just a mushroom.

The latest postings on Mushroom Observer as well some private discussions indicate that what is growing on that tree is Polypore mushroom that has been invaded by a parasitic Hypomyces. Two distinctly different spores from this growth have been observed. There are oblong smooth skinned spores that are probably from the Hypomyes and some irregular irregularly shaped spores that are probably from the Polypore mushroom.


The polypore mushroom is probably either a Bondarzewia berkeleyi, a Meripilus giganteus, or a Polyporales sensu lato. The species of the Hypomyces that has invaded this polypore has not been determined. The United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service has a web site that indicates that “nineteen species (of Hypomyceses) are recognized as occurring on polypores”. The Unites States Department of Agriculture site that discusses these Hpomyces is: http://www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=10960.

It should also be noted that your article on “Rosslyn’s extraordinary mushroom” indicates that the tree on which this mushroom is growing is a Maple tree. The latest postings on Mushroom Observer, identifies the tree as an Oak tree.

Douglas Galbi said...

Thank you for your highly informative comment. I've corrected the identification of the tree to an oak, as indicated from the Mushroom Observer discussion.