Omphalotus
Encyclopedia
Omphalotus is a genus
of Basidiomycete mushroom formally described by Victor Fayod
in 1889. Members have the traditional cap
and stem
toadstool form. The best known and type species
is the jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius). Species of Omphalotus, which are poisonous, have been mistaken for chanterelle
s. Some Omphalotus species have bioluminescent properties.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of Basidiomycete mushroom formally described by Victor Fayod
Victor Fayod
Victor Fayod was a Swiss mycologist. He is credited with the first description of the mushroom Cystoderma amianthinum. He studied in Lausanne and Zurich. Fayod first worked with Heinrich Anton de Bary in Strasbourg from 1881 to 1882, then as a tutor. He also assisted French bacteriologist André...
in 1889. Members have the traditional cap
Pileus (mycology)
The pileus is the technical name for the cap, or cap-like part, of a basidiocarp or ascocarp that supports a spore-bearing surface, the hymenium. The hymenium may consist of lamellae, tubes, or teeth, on the underside of the pileus...
and stem
Stipe (mycology)
thumb|150px|right|Diagram of a [[basidiomycete]] stipe with an [[annulus |annulus]] and [[volva |volva]]In mycology a stipe refers to the stem or stalk-like feature supporting the cap of a mushroom. Like all tissues of the mushroom other than the hymenium, the stipe is composed of sterile hyphal...
toadstool form. The best known and type species
Type species
In biological nomenclature, a type species is both a concept and a practical system which is used in the classification and nomenclature of animals and plants. The value of a "type species" lies in the fact that it makes clear what is meant by a particular genus name. A type species is the species...
is the jack-o'-lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius). Species of Omphalotus, which are poisonous, have been mistaken for chanterelle
Cantharellus
Cantharellus is a genus of popular edible mushrooms, commonly known as chanterelles . They are mycorrhizal fungi, meaning they form symbiotic associations with plants, making them very difficult to cultivate...
s. Some Omphalotus species have bioluminescent properties.