In early 2019, the Freyer — Newman Center</a> for Science, Art and Education was nothing but a deep hole in the ground, and the reality of moving the entirety of our natural history collections</a> still felt like a distant oblivion. However, planning was well underway, and we wanted to be sure that our specimens were protected and thoroughly documented. For the Sam Mitchel Herbarium of Fungi</a>, it became clear that we should undertake a monumental task: photographing and wrapping every single specimen in protective tissue paper before the move.</p> With the protocols tested and developed we began the journey in June 2019. Seasonal and permanent staff worked steadfastly through the mycological collection, checking every catalog number, opening every box, arranging each specimen to be photographed, and then gently tucking them in to their cozy new tissue paper resting places.</p> Finally, in late December we reached the last drawer in the final cabinet. A full-scale inventory process like this brought to light a variety of “lost” specimens as well as problems to solve, such as mismatched catalog numbers and specimens that we had not previously had in our database.</p> For example, prior to this project there was no digital record of Omphalina epichysium</em> occurring in Clear Creek County, Colorado. This small grey-brown mushroom forming fungus grows in groups, usually on logs. The species is saprophytic, meaning it obtains nutrients by decomposing dead wood, and important role in Colorado’s forests.</p> During this imaging project, we found an O. epichysium</em> specimen collected on Squaw Pass in 1978 by Sam Mitchel, the herbarium’s namesake. This will now serve as a “county record” or the first documented occurrence of a species in a county.</p> As of now, we have 14,825 new images of fungal specimens available online</a>. This will aid in greatly in the management of our collection and its data, as well as our ability to share these specimens with the public and scientific community, especially within our new home in the Freyer — Newman Center.</p>
Mushroom hobbyists and foragers may be familiar with milk-cap mushrooms, a type of fungus named for their fruiting bodies that produce a “milky” or latex-like substance, especially when cut or otherwise damaged. Many species are edible and are popular among collectors across the globe. These mushrooms are most often identified by their ability to produce a milky latex, which can be white, creamy orange, a deep red or even a bright blue. Their gills can also “bruise” and turn a blue or green color when chemical compounds are exposed to air. This trait however is not exclusive to milk-cap mushrooms and should not be used as an end-all identification method. Edible, poisonous and psychedelic mushrooms can be deceptively similar in physical attributes.</p> “Milk-cap” mushrooms can refer to species from any of three main genera, including Lactarius</em>, one of our major groups of study. Like most fungal genera, Lactarius</em> contains both edible and non-edible species. We are looking into much smaller details, however: genetic diversity. In the Southern Rocky Mountains, there are roughly 30 to 60 species of mushrooms in the genus Lactarius</em>. Several studies have looked at the Lactarius</em> species of Colorado, but are lacking in providing a complete overview of all species and the complete genetic diversity of Lactarius</em> in the Southern Rocky Mountains. The research question here is: What is the true systematic diversity of the genus Lactarius</em> in Colorado and the Southern Rocky Mountains? (Systematics refers to the classification, relationships and naming of organisms, or taxonomy.)</p> As obligate symbionts, Lactarius</em> species rely on assorted host plant species in order to survive, and vice versa. Native to forests and shrublands across the globe, they most closely work with and depend on trees. This type of symbiotic relationship is called an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. The fungi will focus mainly around the roots of these host plants, where they provide water and minerals to the plant, and receive carbohydrates in return. The fungi do not penetrate plant cells, but instead form a netting of cells that grows around and with the plant roots. Some species may show a higher specificity and focus only on a few host species, while some are generalists and can work with many hosts in their community. In either case, the ecological importance of Lactarius</em> is significant, as the health of the plant community relies on these types of fungi. Unique relationships between fungi and plant hosts are important to study not only for understanding how ecosystems operate, it is important for conservation and restoration. Understanding the form and function of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the environment will inform strategies for their use and policies in agriculture, conservation and ecological restoration.</p> </p> This blog post was written by Gary Olds, Ph.D. student at University of Colorado Denver. Gary is interested in environmental science and biodiversity. His research focuses on fungal diversity in the Colorado Rockies. </em></p>
You might think that there is nothing beautiful to see in the garden during the winter months, but if you slow down and take a closer look you may be surprised.</p> In the summer a tree’s bark is often overshadowed by its brilliant leaves, fragrant blooms and vibrant fruit, but it is a very important part of the tree. The bark serves as armor to ward off insects and drought; it is the life support of the tree, with inner layers carrying water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree, and sugars made during photosynthesis in the leaves traveling down in another interior layer, the phloem; and it is the face of the tree, giving it definition, character and beauty.</p> As a tree matures, the growth of the outer layer can’t keep up with the expanding of the wood growing underneath, and so the bark begins to form different shapes and textures as it grows and repairs itself.</p> Each tree species has its own unique bark pattern, and with some keen observation you will begin to see the hidden layers of beauty that trees hold.</p> As you start your tour walking down the allée of crabapple trees (Malus </em>spp. and cultivars) in Shady Lane you will notice that the trees to your left are much larger then the trees on the right. That’s because the trees on your left were planted in the late 1970s and the trees on the right were planted after 2010 when the new greenhouses were built. Now, look at the difference in the bark. You will discover that the tree’s bark changes with age. Young trees often have smooth, flawless bark; as the tree ages the bark begins to transform and weather, creating unique patterns specific to that tree species.</li> As you enter Oak Grove, notice the similarities of their bark patterns. The large bur oak, Quercus macrocarpa,</em> in the center of the grove has very furrowed bark patterns. Can you see any other furrowed bark in Oak Grove?</li> Exit Oak Grove at the west end and turn right, back toward Shady Lane. On your left you can’t miss the bald cypress, Taxodium distichum</em> ‘Pendens’, and its magnificent bark. The curling bark keeps outer bark thin, allowing sunlight to reach the photosynthetic cork skin, giving the tree an extra boost before its needles flush out in the spring. Yes, trees perform photosynthesis through their bark, although not as efficiently as through leaves; this helps sustain the tree during the winter months.</li> As you walk around the pond to the Hive Garden Bistro, the large hackberry trees, Celtis occidentalis,</em> tower over the patio with their unique bark structure. Examine this bark and compare the difference between the trunk and the newer branch bark. Hackberries are known for their warty bark texture and this is best displayed as you look up at the tree’s branches.</li> Make your way to the cutleaf European white birch trees, Betula pendula</em> ‘Gracilis’, next to the wooden bridge near Cheesman Gate. This unique bark is not only stunning in the garden, but this white color reflects sunlight and reduces potential for sun damage, especially during our winter months.</li> </ul> Take some time as you walk through the rest of the Gardens to slow down and observe the countless patterns and textures that tree bark displays. Realizing that bark is not only a vital part of a tree’s structure, but that it also defines the tree’s beauty will help you see trees during the winter months in a whole new way.</p>
</p> The common name for this plant says it all, king of bromeliads. One glance at this striking specimen and you will know why it bears this name and why it is so highly sought after by plant collectors.</p> It has been a part of the tropical plant collection at Denver Botanic Gardens since 1978 and is currently on display in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory along the north pathway closer to the east side.</p> The species name (hieroglyphica</em>) of this plant refers to the dark horizontal banding patterns. This plant is endemic to southeast Brazil where it would naturally grow attached to tree branches. A mature plant has 30-40 leaves up to 3 inches wide and can reach 3 feet wide at maturity. Mature plants typically bloom in late spring/summer when plants are mature. Flower spikes are quite tall, 2 to 3 feet high and bear creamy yellow flowers.</p> Be sure to seek out this plant on your next trip through the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory.</p>
