Veil (mycology)

Veil (mycology)

A veil in mycology refers to a structure that covers parts of a mushroom during its development. There are two main types of veils: the universal veil and the partial veil. These structures are important for the identification and classification of mushrooms.

Universal Veil

The universal veil is a membrane that completely encloses the immature mushroom, forming a protective layer. As the mushroom grows, the universal veil breaks, often leaving remnants on the cap or the stipe. These remnants can appear as warts or patches on the cap or as a volva at the base of the stipe. The presence and characteristics of the universal veil are key features in identifying certain mushroom species, such as those in the Amanita genus.

Partial Veil

The partial veil is a structure that covers the gills or other spore-producing surfaces of the mushroom. As the mushroom matures, the partial veil typically breaks, leaving a ring or annulus on the stipe. In some species, the partial veil may disappear entirely, while in others, it leaves a distinct ring. The presence and form of the partial veil are important for distinguishing between different species and genera of mushrooms.

Function

Veils serve to protect the developing spore-producing surfaces of the mushroom from environmental factors such as desiccation and predation. They also help in the dispersal of spores by ensuring that the spore-producing surfaces are exposed at the right time.

Examples

- The Amanita muscaria is a well-known example of a mushroom with a prominent universal veil, which leaves a volva at the base and warts on the cap. - The Cortinarius genus often has a cobweb-like partial veil known as a cortina, which can leave a ring on the stipe.

Related Pages

• Mushroom anatomy
• Spore
• Fungi

References

• Arora, David. Mushrooms Demystified. Ten Speed Press, 1986.
• Lincoff, Gary. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms. Knopf, 1981.

Gallery

Cortinarius claricolor showing veil remnants