- New species · 2025
- Mt Adams · WA
- Collected 2019
- SSMC collection
Chromosera loreleiae
A new waxycap from the Pacific Northwest · Phytotaxa 690(1): 17–35, 2025
The mushroom world has been introduced to a new mushroom species name with some roots in the PNW and with a SSMC sequencing contribution. With a yell of excitement, Sadie Hickey from SSMC found this mushroom while attending the Key Council meeting near Mt Adams in 2019. The new name has just now been formally introduced, a name also with PNW connections. The mushroom was named in honor of Lorelei Norvell, an extremely well-respected mycologist who worked much of her career in the PNW. Lorelei Norvell was especially interested in Phaeocollybia and is author of Phaeocollybia of the Pacific Northwest North America. Lorelei's interest was very broad, though, and included work with Scott Redhead and Joe Ammirati on the Chromosera genus.
Lorelei and Sadie were both attending the Key Council when Sadie made the collection — and how appropriate that this absolutely gorgeous mushroom will now forever honor Lorelei's name. Unfortunately, Lorelei died in 2023, between the time Sadie collected the mushroom and before it gained species status. There was an obvious excitement as we took turns getting a picture of the mushroom. The picture here is of Lauren taking her turn — you can see the determination and dedication to get a quality picture. Lauren Ré, Sadie, and an old carpenter on Little Skookum — all members of SSMC — are listed as authors on the just-released species paper. Congratulations are in order to Sadie for being a top-notch collector.
