Hypomyces luteovirens
Amid our collections of apricot-orange Hedgehog and Lactarius deliciosa, red-capped Boletus and canary yellow Suilus, my strange group sat placidly like calm green water that betrays depth. A quartet of mushrooms that for all we knew, materialized from the pages of a science fiction novel.
“Who's that?” My partner asked, his eyes riveted to their spoke on the colour wheel, in which they stood alone.
“I don't know. I hoped you might.”
He theorized that it was a relative of the lobster mushroom, Hypomyces lactifluorum. A sound theory and one I had tossed around too, based on the observation that they both resemble creatures that roam the deep sea. At the very least, it provided our jumping off point.
A unique enough character, it didn't take us long to verify his identity. The thrill of discovery thrives in mushroom hunting. The anticipation as you flip through the pages of every guidebook you own. The potential to spot a mysterious stranger with a wide brimmed hat. One who you might ask: “Yer not from around here, are yew?”. Or, the secret hope that you could find a mushroom never before identified. It’s possible you could have a mushroom named after you. If such honours intrigue you, mycology beckons.
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