Editing Mushroom (section)

==Identification==
Identifying what is and is not a mushroom requires a basic understanding of their [[macroscopic]] structure. Most are [[basidiomycetes]] and gilled. Their spores, called [[basidiospore]]s, are produced on the gills and fall in a fine rain of powder from under the caps as a result. At the microscopic level, the basidiospores are shot off [[basidia]] and then fall between the gills in the dead air space. As a result, for most mushrooms, if the cap is cut off and placed gill-side-down overnight, a powdery impression reflecting the shape of the gills (or pores, or spines, etc.) is formed (when the fruit body is sporulating). The color of the powdery print, called a [[spore print]], is useful in both classifying and identifying mushrooms. Spore print colors include white (most common), brown, black, purple-brown, pink, yellow, and creamy, but almost never blue, green, or red.<ref name="Dickinson1982" />

[[File:Mushroom cap morphology2.png|thumb|Morphological characteristics of the caps of mushrooms]]

While modern identification of mushrooms is quickly becoming molecular, the standard methods for identification are still used by most and have developed into a fine art harking back to [[medieval]] times and the [[Victorian era]], combined with microscopic examination. The presence of juices upon breaking, bruising-reactions, odors, tastes, shades of color, habitat, habit, and season are all considered by both amateur and professional mycologists. Tasting and smelling mushrooms carries its own hazards because of poisons and [[allergen]]s. [[Chemical test]]s are also used for some genera.<ref>[[#Ammirati|Ammirati]] ''et al''., pp. 40–41.</ref>

In general, identification to [[genus]] can often be accomplished in the field using a local [[field guide]]. Identification to [[species]], however, requires more effort. A mushroom develops from a button stage into a mature structure, and only the latter can provide certain characteristics needed for the identification of the species. However, over-mature specimens lose features and cease producing spores. Many novices have mistaken humid water marks on paper for white spore prints, or discolored paper from oozing liquids on [[Lamella (mycology)|lamella]] edges for colored spored prints.