Partial Veils

Partial Veils !!! 

When gilled mushrooms enlarge, there are differences in the forms of the partial veils that can be species, even genus specific. Partial veils are made from filaments stretching from the cap edges to the stems, while protecting the gills as spores mature on the basidia. Then, at maturity, the gills are exposed, and the mushrooms offload their spores. 

The two classic forms of partial veils are: 

The cortinate partial veil - “Cortina” means “skirt” and these are visible as threads, or filaments, that can form a fibrillose ring on the stem.

The membranous partial veil- A contiguous sheath. Often forming a membranous ring. 

Here are two examples. Can you guess the species? 

Mushrooms are so cool.