On Identification
So why is this grow in the identification forum. Well quiet frankly I'm not sure what gym spp it is that I'm growing here so any help with ID appreciated.
Late spring/earlysummer a single fruitbody was originally found growing on a tree branch in semi-shade, quiet beautiful the center reddish and more cream colored towards the margins. On closer examination in sunlight bluish tinges were noted on the cream portions. (A pic of this fruitbody appears in the first image below in dried form, I didn't have a camera at the time of collection)
At the time since I was unfamiliar with any pic that even came close I figured that the chances of it being an unnamed species was extremely high. Next I thought that it resembled pics of G. igniculus.(I rule out the possibility of it being this species due to season found and presence of an annulus)(I also wish I could find a better description of this species).
Now I'm focusing on it possibly being G. purpuratus of which Workmans pic of G. purpuratus at Wikipeadia (of which identity Workman is unsure of) although appearing different comes closest.
The problems of this identification are several. The pictures of purpuratus on the net all look different from one another. It is difficult to find good descriptions of G. purpuratus and where they exist they often conflict.
My specimen was found in the wrong season for it being G. purpuratus.(Whether this totally rules out the possibility I'm unsure of)
The Grow
Since there aren't many gym grows recorded I proceeded largely by guesswork and experimentation. Started out with gill fragments on agar and myc transfered to popcorn. Athough collonsing well enough a mold contam started in one corner and I rescued a good kernal and placed it on a small bed of pecan woodchips. From this point on the grow entirely proceeded under unsterile conditions.
Since it was proceeding well enough with no great hurry and I was busy on several projects I addopted the strategy of when an amount of woodchips was colonised I would mix it with an equal proportion of fresh woodchips effectively doubling the amount each time I did this. (I also added some verm for water retention)Chips were simply boiled in water for a few minutes and drained.
The last time I performed this doubling I added a small amount of organic potting mix to the formula which the myc seems to like. I feel that I should have added quite a bit more than I did.
A thin casing was applied consisting of organic potting mix, some coir for fluffyness and a little ground activated charcoal. Pins after one week of casing colonisation. The grow is now in its second flush of which pics appear below. Further pics including some from the first flush will be posted shortly.