How to identify a mushroom

You've been out wandering in the fields and forests and have found some fascinating fungi! You don't know what they are but want to find out more. How do you identify the fungi you have found? What follows is a general guide on how to identify a mushroom.

To properly identify a fungus you generally need to know what environment it was found and what physiological features it possesses. For most large fungi in Aotearoa this means observing the gills, stem and cap. It is also important to obvserve any structures that may be present growing beneath whatever it is fruiting from. Generally this will provide you with enough information to get a pretty good idea of at least what family the fungi belongs too, if not the genus and sometimes species. For certain fungal groups the only way to know exactly what species you have is by examining the spores and some other microscopic features under a microscope.

I recommend the following approach. First, photograph your fungi as outlined below to use as reference photos' when tracking down an ID. Next, take some quick measurements; you'll want to know roughly how tall the fungi stands as well as roughly how wide the cap is. With this you should be able to narrow things down to a genus for most fungi you'll find. 

How to identify a mushroom step by step:

1. Photograph the fungi in it's environment, being careful to include whatever it is growing on, be that a grassy field or dead tree
2. Take a close up photograph of the fungi, ensuring to capture any unique distinguishing characteristics
3. Take at least one clear photograph of the underside of the mushroom, it is important to be able to see the gills and how the connect to the stipe and the edge of the cap
4. Where able, carefully dig up/remove the fungi, making sure to dig up any subsurface structures. These can be critical for distinguishing between species in certain groups of fungi.

Resources:

I recommend using the following websites or field guides

Manaaki Whenua - Lancare Research: Virtual Mycota

Clive Shirley's Forest Fungi Photo Guide

Shirley Kerr's A Field Guide To New Zealand Fungi