Dryad’s Saddle (Cerioporus squamosus) is an annual fungus that is usually found at the base of the dead stumps or on living hardwood trees, such as oak and maple trees. This fungus plays an important role in decomposing dead trees, but it sometimes exists as a parasite to living trees. Dryad’s Saddle is known to give off a pleasant aroma, like the scent of watermelon rind. If cooked, this mushroom can be eaten; it tastes best when it is young and tender.
Marasmius oreades, otherwise known as the "fairy ring fungus" is the name given to mushrooms that grow in lush circles in various different species of grass (Couch, 1995). These fungi either grow above the surface on lawns/golf courses or below the surface, denoted by circles of dead-looking grass. These fungi break down organic matter below the surface and release ammonia, the microorganisms present in soil then 'fix' this ammonia into nitrates, and this nitrogen release is responsible for the green rings seen in the grass (Vargas, 1994).
