NAMA Webinar: Unstumping Gymnopilus: Greenhouse Experiments and Type-Specimen DNA Untangle a Confounding Taxonomic Legacy

The genus Gymnopilus, sometimes called the “laughing gyms,” includes some of North America’s most colorful and chemically intriguing mushrooms. Despite their familiarity to mushroom enthusiasts, many species remain difficult to distinguish, and their taxonomy has been confused for more than a century. In this talk, Andrew Kunik will explore the diversity of North American Gymnopilus, drawing on recent research combining DNA sequencing of historic type specimens, greenhouse cultivation, and field collections. Through a series of species-focused examples, he will show how revisiting original collections can reveal previously unrecognized relationships and clarify what familiar species names actually represent. Attendees will learn how environmental conditions can dramatically alter mushroom appearance, sometimes obscuring characters traditionally used for identification. Drawing on extensive fieldwork, Andrew will discuss which morphological characters are most reliable and how habitat and geographic distribution can help distinguish species. This talk is intended for mushroom enthusiasts of all experience levels, particularly those interested in identification, taxonomy, and fungal biodiversity.
by Andrew Kunik

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5pm PT | 6pm MT | 7pm CT | 8pm ET
Thursday, December 10, 2026