Hongos

Bird's Nest Fungi: Charismatic Mushrooms in Your Garden

Nattapol Kraisitudomsook and Matthew E. Smith

The "bird's nest" fungi (Nidulariaceae) are charismatic mushrooms that look like small nests containing multiple tiny eggs. Because the ecological role of bird's nest fungi is to decompose wood, they are extremely common in disturbed areas with plant debris and mulch, such as trails and backyard gardens. These fungi tend to grow in large clusters, so it is common to see ten to a hundred of these "nests" at once. Bird's nest fungi are not considered dangerous to plants, animals, or humans.

Macrocybe titans: The Mushroom Giant of the Western Hemisphere

Elena Karlsen-Ayala and Matthew E. Smith

This document is about Macrocybe titans, the largest known gilled mushroom in the Western Hemisphere. It explores the species’ taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and geographic distribution, highlighting its presence in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas. The mushroom is notable for its massive size, saprobic lifestyle, and adaptability to disturbed habitats. The document also discusses its identification methods, potential edibility, and hypotheses regarding its spread and ecological role. Original publication date February 2020.

Stinkhorn Mushrooms (Agaricomycetes: Phallales: Phallaceae)

Eleanor Phillips, Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, and Matthew E. Smith

The Green-Spore Poison Parasol Mushroom, Chlorophyllum molybdites

Lisbeth Espinoza and Matthew E. Smith

The Common Chanterelles (Cantharellus and Craterellus) of Florida

Kaori Hall, Ben Lemmond, and Matthew E. Smith

This document is intended to introduce the general public to the chanterelle mushrooms of Florida and includes a preliminary key to Florida’s most common chanterelle species. Written by Kaori Hall, Ben Lemmond, and Matthew E. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, February 2023.

A Basic Guide to Mushrooms Commonly Encountered in Potted Plants in Florida

Elena Karlsen-Ayala, Romina Gazis, and Matthew E. Smith

Mushrooms growing in potting soil are a common problem reported in nursery production and in potted plants in the indoor and outdoor home landscape. Many of these fungi are saprotrophic and feed on the organic matter contained in the potting soil itself and/or in the mulch, which varies in composition but often contains tree bark, wood chips, pine straw, moss, or leaves. These fungi are not necessarily harmful to the plants, but fungal fruiting bodies can make plants unmarketable. Unknown fungi can also be concerning to retailers and homeowners because of potential toxicity to pets and children. The purpose of this publication is to provide homeowners and retail nursery growers with an overview of some of the most common mushroom-forming fungi found in potted plants and potting soils in Florida. We also provide cultural control recommendations to help prevent or reduce mushroom growth.

Marasmius vagus (the Wandering Creamsicle), One of Florida’s Most Common Lawn Mushrooms

Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith

Marasmius vagus is one of the most common lawn mushrooms in the state of Florida. The purpose of this publication is to introduce Floridians to this mushroom, provide basic information about its biology, and aid in identification. Written by Sarah Prentice and Matthew E. Smith, and published by the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, February 2024.

How AI Can Analyze Images: An Introductory Case Study Using Mushroom Detection

Namrata Dutt and Daeun Choi

This article provides an introductory overview of how computers analyze images using artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision. To illustrate the concepts, the publication uses mushrooms as an example case for object detection. Although mushroom detection is used for demonstration, the goal of this article is to help readers understand how AI-based image analysis supports broader agricultural and environmental applications. Written by Namrata Dutt and Daeun Choi, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2025.