Scientific Names Defined

This is a comprehensive list of mushroom word roots and combining forms. The best way to understand and remember technical terms is to understand their component parts or roots. The study of the roots of words can become very interesting, not only valuable in understanding what the names of mushrooms mean, but to help you remember various characteristics about that mushroom.

Usually, if the name listed below is capitalized it is the genus name and if it starts with a small letter it is the species name. I have included prefixes and suffixes and other parts of the name to help you understand what the scientific name means. You will notice the translation often describes the mushroom’s color, odor, texture, habitat, or who it was named after, etc.

Last Updated: Mar 2, 2016