Tag: why-is-it-called
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Marasmius oreads – “The Fairy Ring Mushroom”
The genus “Marasmius” got its name from the Greek word “marasmus”, meaning “drying out”, reflecting the mushrooms’ ability to dry and rehydrate. The species epithet “oreades” comes from Greek mythology, linking the mushrooms to forest nymphs. “Fairy Ring Mushroom” is named for its circular growth, linked to folklore about magical creatures dancing.
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Names of Mushrooms: Pleurotus ostreatus
The scientific name “Pleurotus ostreatus” for Oyster Mushrooms was named by German Mycologist Paul Kimmer, combining the Ancient Greek words for side and ear. The Neapolitan Kingdom’s mycology text, “Historia Fungorum Regni Neapolitani,” reveals various historic common names for these mushrooms. Their name is derived from their shell-like appearance, and they are associated with walnut…