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Prolific Mycognome
Extra-Dimensional Being



Registered: 09/02/13
Posts: 113
Last seen: 7 months, 4 days
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My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.)
#19220241 - 12/03/13 12:14 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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So this is a big deal for me. My first active patch! And I have a real camera this time! I saw these puppies around a month ago when the flush was still pinning, didn't think much of the funky yellow buggers since bright colors and mushrooms normally scare me into assuming they're toxic, but while I was looking at the profile for Gym. junonius, I realized I had already found them! I went back that weekend to discover they had matured, and were, indeed, Gyms (covered in rusty-dusty orange spores and everything). They looked like something was getting to them, but I'm down for any bonus food I might consume on accident (like larval flies, my favorite ) when I dry 'em, grind 'em and sip 'em down as a tea.
I shot these photos and picked half of the first patch today, leaving a generous portion behind to enrich the area for future generations:

Yesterday afternoon I ate one medium-sized specimen depicted in a previous post, procured from the base. Experienced some giggles and a great euphoria but I didn't reach threshold for 'activity' (this could have easily been the gymnopilin). In any case, while I don't entirely enjoy the taste whatsoever (like eating a vampire's tampon), I found the perfect thing to chase them with and plan on using Arizona's RX Energy Tonic as my 'tea'. I decided to get the rest of my haul today because I knew I'd need a lot if I wanted to truly 'experience' them.
Here's a couple photos of the base of the flush. I'm no photographer, and I was in a public area where I felt hurried to leave, so I snapped these in a hurry:


Notice the blue bruising on the smaller cap in the bottom of the second picture, on the edge (it's not dirt, I verified this). Several of the smaller ones had faint discoloration.
Here's a close-up of the one which bruised most apparently, found around the corner:

This is the substrate upon which the first flush was found:

Not terribly noticeable, is it? But it's certainly wood mulch. My guess is that the area was inoculated, not the mulch itself, because there's two locations roughly a hundred yards from each other in the same apartment complex, and only one is on mulch. If I've stumbled upon another Shroomerite's patch... I'm truly thankful! And if this is just a gift from Gaia or some of my Gnome-friends that I happened to be so fortunate as to find, I'm also thankful. You have my thanks. I'm full of them, and they're yours to take (just as these bug-eaten 'shrooms are now mine). 
When I visited the second location, however, I was shocked/horrified/disheartened at what I saw...

My god... what could have done this?

It's carnage... absolute CARNAGE! MAKE IT STOP! FUNGUS ABUSE! CALL THE GNOME PATROL SQUAD! CALL THE MARIO BROTHERS! CALL ALAN ROCKEFELLER!!
It could have been something as innocent as a dog, or a reckless jogger... but honestly my bet is that it was some evil-doer against the Mushroom Kingdom, like Bowser, or the landscaping contractor. Perhaps someone spotted the flush and had an idea of what they were, or perhaps it was just a child looking to destroy something in the landscape that they wouldn't be punished for. We may NEVER know... either way, they spread enough spore to make the patch come back ten-fold, so neener-neener to them!
Then I spotted something that gave me A NEW HOPE... survivors from the wreckage -- cleverly hidden, as mushrooms often are, from the prying eyes of the monstrous beasts! These appear to be a smaller Gym variety. Other flushes of the sort were crushed, killed, and destroyed, but a couple made it out just fine:

Here's a close-up of some of the dirty little dudes:

I didn't pick any of these ones, though I suppose I should have taken a sample to print for documentation.
In any case, this tree is the primary suspect in my investigation of patch #2!

YOU SEE? YOU SEE ITS LITTLE LEAVES?! ITS SMOOTH GREY BARK?

THE SCRAWNY DEAD ROOT SYSTEM TAUNTS ME! IT IS THE PERFECT NATURAL SUBSTRATE!!
What is this tree, exactly? I should know, as a gardener... it's rather embarrassing. The entire second patch was found at the base of this ONE tree, nestled among the surface roots, or literally from the base, like in pic #4. I mostly posted this to inform my fellows of my first find, but I was also hoping someone could help identify this tree at-a-glance. I can always go back to this place later if need be for more pictures, so I ain't stressin'.
NOW BASK ME IN YOUR KUDOS! GIVE ME ACCLAIM FOR MY FIND! CRITICIZE ME FOR MY LACK OF EXPERIENCE, REPRIMAND ME JUST HOW I LIKE IT! Oh, and give me some advice, I'd like that very much too... especially if someone has a better idea on how to consume them.
-------------------- "It is easy to lie to mortals who lie to themselves..." We are at your feet, patiently awaiting your return.
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tnj8228
pick,smoke,pick,smoke

Registered: 11/08/13
Posts: 153
Loc: pnw fungi land
Last seen: 3 months, 1 day
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Prolific Mycognome]
#19220376 - 12/03/13 01:00 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Don't know those shrooms but I really like your writing style.
-------------------- Hunt, photo, spore print, keep on keeping on.
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Prolific Mycognome
Extra-Dimensional Being



Registered: 09/02/13
Posts: 113
Last seen: 7 months, 4 days
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: tnj8228]
#19220383 - 12/03/13 01:06 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Thanks very much tnj, I was a creative writer long before I had any interest in cannabis or mushrooms. These are (what I believe to be) Gymnopilus junonius, wood-loving magic mushies known as Big Laughing Gyms. I found some earlier in the season at a park that were all dried-up and nasty, they were 'technically' my first active find, but unsuitable for ingestion.
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TheShroomNinja
Humbled Bastard Man



Registered: 02/27/06
Posts: 284
Loc: Twilight zone
Last seen: 8 years, 11 months
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Prolific Mycognome]
#19220395 - 12/03/13 01:11 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Ah, very nice my friend. I had found a patch of gyms recently, I only took 3 to keep as a memento I hear they taste gnarly.
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Prolific Mycognome
Extra-Dimensional Being



Registered: 09/02/13
Posts: 113
Last seen: 7 months, 4 days
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: TheShroomNinja]
#19220402 - 12/03/13 01:14 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Like nastiness one could not conceive of or know unless they partook at least once. Literally like biting into a rotten bloody tampon... not that I know what that's like, but I did earn my redwings.

Thanks for the kudos! You've never consumed gyms? Consider yourself missing out on a 'unique' experience.
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TheShroomNinja
Humbled Bastard Man



Registered: 02/27/06
Posts: 284
Loc: Twilight zone
Last seen: 8 years, 11 months
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Prolific Mycognome]
#19220413 - 12/03/13 01:23 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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I'm waiting to try them out, I'd like to find more as I want to save the ones I have for all time!!! haha
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Prolific Mycognome
Extra-Dimensional Being



Registered: 09/02/13
Posts: 113
Last seen: 7 months, 4 days
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: TheShroomNinja]
#19220483 - 12/03/13 02:00 AM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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For sure, man! Keep what you've got! Hahah, Gyms can be uncommon in some places (from what little I understand), but around here they're all I've found so far (as far as actives go). I think this has something to do with our fellow Shroomerite cultivars who have gone out of their way to leave goodies behind for future generations, so I'll do the same and spread these spores around!
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Prolific Mycognome
Extra-Dimensional Being



Registered: 09/02/13
Posts: 113
Last seen: 7 months, 4 days
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Prolific Mycognome]
#19237833 - 12/06/13 06:19 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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AGAIN... I hate bumping up an old thread, but I didn't feel as though posting a new one was necessary since my question is relevant to THESE subjects.
I haven't since returned to the patch in question, but I've begun drying my specimens (they've been placed in a layer of paper towels, wrapped in a T-shirt and placed in front of a space heater which I plan on leaving running all night). My main question is, do Gyms tend to have a 'metallic' odor/taste, as opposed to one that could merely be described as 'bitter'? I swear up and down it's distinct, yet familiar at the same time, and I notice it all the more since I consumed one fresh specimen last week. Like a mouth full of bloody mushroom flesh.
The smell isn't bad, but harsh to other people in the house, and I want to keep one in particular in the dark about my doings. I have a fan running, cracked the window, and use spray every hour or so to keep the smell down -- I'm not really that worried, but it is a little odd. I haven't heard anyone describe the odor of Gyms as metallic. Thoughts?
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Hashfinger
Nippy Wiffle



Registered: 07/10/12
Posts: 4,775
Loc: Georgia
Last seen: 5 years, 7 months
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Prolific Mycognome]
#19237871 - 12/06/13 06:28 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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-------------------- Species List (Georgia): Psilocybe caerulescens/weilii, Psilocybe atlantis/galindoi, Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe fagicola, Copelandia cyanescens, Panaeolus cinctulus, Panaeolus fimicola, Panaeolus olivaceus, Gymnopilus luteofolius, Gymnopilus aeruginosus, Gymnopilus junonius, Pluteus salicinus (Ohio): Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, Pluteus cyanopus, Pluteus salicinus sensu lato..., Panaeolus cinctulus, Gymnopilus luteus, Gymnopilus luteofolius, Gymnopilus junonius, Gymnopilus aeruginosus
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Hashfinger
Nippy Wiffle



Registered: 07/10/12
Posts: 4,775
Loc: Georgia
Last seen: 5 years, 7 months
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Prolific Mycognome]
#19237885 - 12/06/13 06:31 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
Prolific Mycognome said: AGAIN... I hate bumping up an old thread, but I didn't feel as though posting a new one was necessary since my question is relevant to THESE subjects.
I haven't since returned to the patch in question, but I've begun drying my specimens (they've been placed in a layer of paper towels, wrapped in a T-shirt and placed in front of a space heater which I plan on leaving running all night). My main question is, do Gyms tend to have a 'metallic' odor/taste, as opposed to one that could merely be described as 'bitter'? I swear up and down it's distinct, yet familiar at the same time, and I notice it all the more since I consumed one fresh specimen last week. Like a mouth full of bloody mushroom flesh.
The smell isn't bad, but harsh to other people in the house, and I want to keep one in particular in the dark about my doings. I have a fan running, cracked the window, and use spray every hour or so to keep the smell down -- I'm not really that worried, but it is a little odd. I haven't heard anyone describe the odor of Gyms as metallic. Thoughts?
Psilocybin and some other active alkaloids, some morning glory seeds have a metallic taste. I think its the "goods" so to speak. Between bitter, acrid, acidic, and sour. Definitely unique. Try fan drying your jilms out in the open in a room the person of suspect wont walk through. They'll smell a little at first, but once they really dry out some they shouldn't. Mind the maggots. Big time. They'll consume your entire batch. These things are best fresh, brewed in tea, but if you have to dry them a dehydrator is the best way to go. Good luck man.
-------------------- Species List (Georgia): Psilocybe caerulescens/weilii, Psilocybe atlantis/galindoi, Psilocybe cubensis, Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, Psilocybe semilanceata, Psilocybe fagicola, Copelandia cyanescens, Panaeolus cinctulus, Panaeolus fimicola, Panaeolus olivaceus, Gymnopilus luteofolius, Gymnopilus aeruginosus, Gymnopilus junonius, Pluteus salicinus (Ohio): Psilocybe ovoideocystidiata, Psilocybe caerulipes, Pluteus cyanopus, Pluteus salicinus sensu lato..., Panaeolus cinctulus, Gymnopilus luteus, Gymnopilus luteofolius, Gymnopilus junonius, Gymnopilus aeruginosus
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SoCalHunter
Explorer of the Fungal Realm


Registered: 11/24/10
Posts: 163
Last seen: 5 years, 8 months
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: Hashfinger]
#19238340 - 12/06/13 08:37 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Those look pretty bug infested man....
I don't mean to rain on your parade, But those look infested with bugs/maggots and I (personally) don't eat or pick any mushroom if they are that far gone.
Also; is it just me or does pic #4 look like its starting to decompose?
-------------------- Disclaimer: The information posted above has no basis in reality; it all came to me during a Lucid Dream after copious amounts of Tequila
Edited by SoCalHunter (12/06/13 08:41 PM)
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Prolific Mycognome
Extra-Dimensional Being



Registered: 09/02/13
Posts: 113
Last seen: 7 months, 4 days
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Re: My First Active Patch (Previously ID'd as Gymnopilus sp.) [Re: SoCalHunter]
#19238761 - 12/06/13 10:21 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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I love Ween, lol.
I'm not touching the ones that are all buggy or rotten, but I don't mind a couple bugs if that's it (I did not pick the specimen in #4). Cracker dry and put in a tea, I won't even notice the extra bit of protein as I go on up. I have friends that are in the military, nothing we're not used to. I don't have a dehydrator, but the fan seems to be working so long as I keep the sides exposed.
As for the bugs themselves... these seem like they burrowed to the bottom of the stipe, and I ripped off all the butts/put all the really nasty ones aside to make a mulch. I likely won't have a huge yield, but that isn't really an issue. I'm patient for the patch to return, and I'll keep a better eye on them this time.
Hashfinger, if the smell indicates 'the goods', then these should provide for a good experience all in all. The tangy odor is in the air! Thanks for your most-sought advice.
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