Monthly Archives: September 2021

Historical

Discovering the Diversity of Mushrooms in the Adirondacks: The Legacy of Howard J. Banker

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One of the most significant mycologists to conduct research in the Adirondacks was Howard James Banker (1883-1972), an American mycologist who specialized in the study of macrofungi. Banker made important contributions to the understanding of the diversity and ecology of mushrooms in the Adirondacks and other regions of North America.

Howard J. Banker

Howard J. Banker was born in Newark, New Jersey, and spent much of his childhood exploring the forests around his home. He earned a degree in botany from Rutgers University in 1906 and went on to pursue graduate studies in mycology at Cornell University. In 1913, he joined the faculty at the University of Kansas, where he would spend most of his career.

Banker was a prolific researcher and writer, publishing numerous papers and books on the diversity and ecology of macrofungi. He was particularly interested in the taxonomy and systematics of mushrooms and was instrumental in the development of new methods for identifying and classifying fungi.

Research in the Adirondacks

Banker conducted several expeditions to the Adirondacks between 1921 and 1932, where he collected and studied a wide variety of mushrooms. His research in the region led to the discovery of several new species of mushrooms, including Tricholoma atrosquamosum, Inocybe jacksonii, and Paxillus allardii.

One of Banker’s most significant contributions to the study of mushrooms in the Adirondacks was his work on the genus Russula. He collected and identified dozens of species of Russula from the region, many of which were new to science. Banker’s research on Russula helped to establish the taxonomy and systematics of the genus and remains an important reference for mycologists today.

Banker’s Legacy

Howard J. Banker was a prominent figure in the field of mycology and made significant contributions to our understanding of the diversity and ecology of mushrooms in the Adirondacks and other regions of North America. His work on the genus Russula and his discovery of several new species of mushrooms in the Adirondacks helped to establish the foundation of modern mycology.

Sources:

  • Banker, H. J. (1928). Studies in the genus Russula. III. The subgenus Compactae. Mycologia, 20(6), 295-322.
  • Banker, H. J. (1932). The Russulae of the Adirondacks. Mycologia, 24(2), 94-108.
  • Banker, H. J. (1943). The North American species of Tricholoma. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 30(4), 325-441.
Historical

The Use of Amanita Muscaria by Native Americans in the Adirondacks: Exploring Historical and Ethnographic Evidence

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Amanita muscaria, also known as fly agaric, is a species of mushroom with a long history of use in various cultures, including Native American tribes. In this blog post, we will explore the scientific research on the use of Amanita muscaria by Native Americans in the Adirondacks region.

First, it is important to note that the use of Amanita muscaria by Native American tribes is not well-documented. However, some historical and ethnographic evidence suggests that the mushroom was used for various purposes, including spiritual and medicinal practices.

In his book “Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality,” R. Gordon Wasson documented his research on the use of psychoactive mushrooms in different cultures. He argued that Amanita muscaria was the likely candidate for the ancient Vedic ritual drink soma, which was consumed by the Indo-European peoples of ancient India. Wasson also suggested that the use of psychoactive mushrooms in different cultures, including Native American tribes, may have been linked to the widespread distribution of Amanita muscaria.

In the Adirondacks region specifically, there is some evidence to suggest that the Iroquois tribes used Amanita muscaria in their spiritual practices. In a paper published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, authors Sullivan and Hagen argued that the use of Amanita muscaria was documented in the Iroquois myth of the Sky Woman, which describes the creation of the world and the emergence of plants and animals. The authors also suggest that the Iroquois may have used Amanita muscaria for healing and visionary purposes.

In addition to the Iroquois, there are reports of other Native American tribes using Amanita muscaria. For example, the Koryak people of Siberia, who have a close cultural relationship with some Native American tribes, have a long history of using Amanita muscaria for spiritual purposes.

It is important to note that the use of Amanita muscaria can be dangerous, as it contains psychoactive compounds that can cause hallucinations, nausea, and other adverse effects. Therefore, it is essential to approach any use of the mushroom with caution and under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

In conclusion, while the scientific research on the use of Amanita muscaria by Native Americans in the Adirondacks region is limited, there is some historical and ethnographic evidence to suggest that the mushroom was used for spiritual and medicinal purposes. As with any psychoactive substance, it is important to approach the use of Amanita muscaria with caution and under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

Sources:

Sullivan, K. M., & Hagen, E. H. (2002). Psychotropic substances in the mythology and rituals of the Iroquois and neighbouring Northeastern tribes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 80(2-3), 181-188.

Wasson, R. G. (1980). Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality. Ethno-Mycological Studies, 1, 1-148