Fungi galore !

Recent rain in the Hunter Valley has produced a flush of fungi far and wide, and I've been taking advantage of the opportunity to observe and photograph them. Weird, wonderful, colourful and intriguing fruiting bodies are popping up in gardens, parks, bushland and lawn.

I'm not a mycologist - I'm an enthusiastic amateur naturalist. I'm self-taught, and I gratefully accept any assistance or teaching that other like-minded people offer me. Blogging is a great way to learn - it has brought me into contact with fungi enthusiasts, orchid enthusiasts, environmentally conscious community members, and people who are willing to interact with me on just about any topic of interest. Blogging has introduced me to exceptional people, some of whom are now friends for life. And blogging has encouraged me to learn and challenge myself.

***** ***** *****

The world of fungi is truly fascinating. The main, and mostly unseen part of the fungus, is made up of microscopic threads which weave their way through the soil, wood or other living or dead organisms.

It is these unseen creeping threads that are the Earth's main recycling agents decomposing dead plant and animal material, and returning nutrients to the soil. When conditions are favourable, the underground fungi threads will send out a reproductive organ, which is the fruiting body ('mushroom' or 'toadstool') we see in the field, forest or garden.

Fungi do not belong to the kingdom of plants. They have a kingdom of their own. Unlike plants, fungi do not possess chlorophyll, therefore they are not dependent upon sunlight. They do not produce their own food, so are either scavengers or parasites absorbing nourishment from the substrate.

Upon maturity of the fruiting body, fungus spores are released and dispersed by the wind, water, animals, people or other means, providing the fungus with an opportunity to spread and start new colonies.

***** ***** *****

Australia's main fungus season extends between mid autumn and mid winter, so is nearing an end this year. But smaller numbers of fungi will keep appearing in moist conditions right through till late spring, and of course, it's possible to stumble upon fungi throughout the entire year.

Fungi are not just your average familiar "mushroom". Observing and studying fungi can be a very rewarding and fascinating hobby. It is predicted that the majority of Australia's fungi have not yet been studied, so it is quite likely that amateur fungi enthusiasts could play an important role in recording new species.

I'm always on the lookout for these fascinating life forms. When you're alerted to the beauty and interest of the humble 'mushroom', you're likely to notice them literally under your feet - while you're playing in the park with the kids, hanging the washing out on the line, digging in the garden, exercising the dog, driving a country road. Enjoy !

Fungi are more than the familiar field mushrooms
that pop up in the cow paddock after rain:

. . . . .there are the bizarre - spooky, even
Cordyceps gunnii (Dark Vegetable Caterpillar)
. . . . .yes, it eats caterpillars !

. . . . .there's the tiny. . . . .
they could be golden fairy cups !
but they're Aleurina ferruginea.
Very few fungi have names that role easily off the tongue!
Thankfully, it has a common name: Fleshy Ground Cups.

. . . . .and then there's the outrageous and monstrous !
Don't stub your toe on this giant fungus.
Phlebopus marginatus
You could run across this one on the sports oval or park

. . . . .and then there are the ornate, flowery fungi
that don't look anything like what a 'mushroom' should
Podoscypha petaloides
Common name: Rosette Fungus

. . . . .and then there's every colour of the rainbow, and more !
Purple - I haven't put a name to this common fungus yet

. . . . .and blue - with raindrops sparkling
'Elegant Blue Webcap'
Cortinarius rotundisporus

. . . . .and pink !
Russula persanguinea
Some forest creature has had a bite from this one !

Note: some fungi are poisonous, so wash hands well after handling any fungi. Never consume wild fungi unless they are reliably identified and confirmed safe.

I photographed all of these fungi, and many more, in the Cessnock area over the past few days.

If I've whet your appetite for more information, you might find my Fungi Blog interesting.

And there's more here:

Fungi habits

What are fungi?

Glossary - fungi terms

Fungimap

Successful fungi observation

Aboriginal uses for fungi

Fungi images A - Z

More fungi images

Bill Leithhead's Fungi Pages