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Figure 87. Rhizomorphic mycelium diverging from
cottony mycelium soon after spore germination.
medium's surface.
2. Rhizomorphic: Often similar to linear
mycelium, rhizomorphic mycelium is often
called"ropey". In fact, rhizomorphic mycelium
is composed of braided, twisted strands, often
of varying diameters. Rhizomorphic mycelium
supports primordia. Its presence is encouraged
by selecting these zones for further transfer. The
disappearance of rhizomorphs is an indication
of loss of vigor. Lion's Mane (Hericium
erinaceus), the King Stropharia (Stropharia
rugoso-annulata), the Button Mushrooms
(Agaricus brunnescens, Agaricus bitorquis),
the Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybe cubensis and
Psilocybe cyanescens), and the Clustered
Woodlovers (Hypholoma capnoides and H.
subiateritium) are examples of mushrooms producing
classically rhizomorphic mycelia. Some
types of rhizomorphic mycelia take on a reflec-
THE STOCK CULTURE LIBRARY 109
Figure 88. Classic rhizomorphic mycelium.
tive quality, resembling the surface of silk.
3. Cottony: This type of mycelium is common
with strains of Oyster Mushrooms
(Pleurotus species), Shaggy Manes (Coprinus
comatus), and Hen-of-the-Woods (Grifola
frondosa). Looking like tufts of cotton, the
mycelium is nearly aerial in its growth. Cottony
mycelium is commonly called tomentose by
mycologists. When a rhizomorphic mycelium
degenerates with age, tomentose formations
typically take over.
4. Zonate: Cottony mycelium often shows
concentric circles of dense and light growth,
or zones. Zonate mycelium is often characteristic
of natural changes in the age of the
mycelium. The newest mycelium, on the periphery
of the culture, is usually light in color.
The more-aged mycelium, towards the center
of the culture, becomes strongly pigmented.
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