Starting out in much the same manor, I identify where I want to make the cut by a close inspection of the base. All of the sudden “bam”, cutting through this was entirely different than any Ricordia I have ever propagated. The disk had the consistency of a vinyl-based plastic and was very thick. As where other Mushrooms seem to have a very thin elastic layer on the disk, this one was very thick in comparison. In fact it was a little difficult to cut through fast and clean without a tearing motion.

Another surprise was mega intestines. We have all seen Mushrooms expel them from time to time, but I did not expect so much. Looking at the below photo you can see the strength of the walls and the rigidity of the intestine cavity. Most mushrooms after being cut have the appearance of jelly. With half of the foot gone, this guy still stands perfectly and

the wall strength was not expected. On the same token I was beginning to realize that I had no experience with anything like this and had hoped the principles I applied to other Mushrooms would work here.

I had contemplated, with the amount of internals and the strength of that wall, the specimen could not close in on itself with the ease Ricordia Florida does, or other Yumas for that matter. I was very glad I moved to these hang-on breeders so I would be able to keep close tabs on the healing process. That day I had checked on the piece at least five or six times, and was pretty surprised everything looked good. I had noticed however in contrast to the other Ricordias; Yumas as well this one certainly slimed up around the rear on the incision, particularly near the intestines. I took care to gently squirt off the group two to three times a day with a small pipette. This was a tedious but necessary process I believe. A lack of care in this area may have led to infection. I had taken several photos a day and have included the most dramatic ones in this article so you can witness the healing process.