Australian Fungi - A Blog

#57 Russula persanguinea

2011-06-19T16:51:00.003+10:00

Notice the striations around the rim of the cap

A characteristic feature of identification of Russula species is the snapping like chalk of a fresh stem. A pure white stem of Russula persanguinea will distinguish this species from Russula. aff. rosacea which has a pale pink stem.

Russula persanguinea is mychorrhizal with eucalypt roots and is found in wetter areas of eastern states of Australia, as well as Western Australia. It can be found fruiting at the base of live eucalypts, on the ground where there is buried wood, as well as around the base of dead eucalypt stumps. I am led to believe that it is the only species of Russula that fruits on dead wood, but I have not substantiated this.

Cap (up to about 70mm) is red, convex at first, broadening and flattening with maturity, usually with a shallow central depression where the colour is darker. The cap is viscid (or slippery) when wet, and striated around the rim at maturity. [There are no hints of purple or yellow] Gills are white, crowded, and all of the same length. Stem (up to about 70mm) is white, solid when young, and often thickening towards the base. Spore print is white.

Toxicity: Some Russula species are known to be poisonous, so, although I have found no specific information on the toxicity of Russula persanguinea, it should be avoided.

The wet cap is slippery, the stem widens at base

The central depression in cap is a darker colour

White gills are crowded and all the same length

A wet, collapsed specimen is soggy all over, and pinkish

My sightings of Russula Persanguinea

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Brunkerville, NSW - at base of dead stump in wet mixed forest, Aug 2010, Jun 2011

#56 Cortinarius archeri

2011-06-08T07:00:00.002+10:00

Cortinarius is the largest genus of mushrooms in the world. Cortinarius archeri is a spectacular species.

The most distinctive feature of Cortinarius is the presence of a cortina covering young gills. A cortina is a partial veil consisting of a cobweb-like protective covering over the spore producing surface. The cortina disintegrates as the fruit body matures, leaving a ring-zone on the stem, or disappearing altogether. In some species, all evidence of the cortina disappears very quickly.

A secondary feature of Cortinarius is a rusty-brown spore print, therefore the fertile surface of mature Cortinarius are rusty brown.

A beautiful cluster of Cortinarius archeri

Cap: when young, the cap can cover the stem resembling a helmet, but widens to convex, eventually flattening to some degree, often turning under slightly. At first, the cap is viscid (slippery), but matures to dry and satiny, fading to a dirty mauve, often aging to brown. The cap can reach 100mm wide.

Stem: is broad, viscid when young, mauve to white with membranous remains of cortina high on stem, often stained rusty brown with spores. The wide stem is usually bulbous at the base.

Gills: are of various lengths, mauve when young, staining rusty brown as spores mature.

Habitat: mixed forests of Australia (and possibly other countries), on soil, and is mychorrizal with eucalypts. Cortinarius archeri grows singly or in small tight clusters.

Toxicity: some species of Cortinarius are poisonous, containing the toxin orellanine, so it is unwise to consume any species of Cortinarius. At this time, I have no information either confirming or denying the toxicity of Cortinarius archeri.

Cortinarius archeri emerging from the soil - my thumbnail gives size comparison

A cluster of Cortinarius archeri like little soldiers lined up in their tin hats

The cobweb-like covering still intact covering the immature gills

Young mauve gills tinged with rusty-brown - remains of membranous material high on the stem has collected rusty-brown spores

Gills turn brown as they mature. They will turn much darker yet.

A beautiful specimen of Cortinarius archeri

My sightings of Cortinarius archeri

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Freeman's Waterhole, NSW - mixed forest May 2011

#55 Austroboletus lacunosus

2011-06-01T19:24:00.007+10:00

Finally some soaking rain in the Hunter Valley, and the fungus season is upon us. I found three new Boletes, one of which I was able to identify without too much trouble - Austroboletus lacunosus (formerly known as Austroboletus cookei), but it doesn't appear to have a common name.

The most distinctive feature of this fungus (and other species of Austroboletus) is the stem which is patterned with haphazard depressions separated by a maze of stringy-textured ridges. The stem is dry and has no ring, is positioned either central or off-centre, with a deep circular depression jutting into the fertile pored service.

Pore openings are large, up to 1mm, starting out pure white, turning pale pinkish brown, and aging to ochre. Spore print is pale pinkish brown. I didn't find any evidence of infestation by insect larva in any of the three specimens I examined.

Cap is convex, generally pale brown, dry and swede-like in texture (can be slippery when young and wet), and up to 150mm diameter. Tissue remnants often form a 'frill' around the rim of the cap. This mycorrhizal fungus occurs in the soil of mixed forests in eastern Australia, and New Zealand. My observations so far indicate that this fungus occurs singly.


Slightly slimy wet cap of fresh fruit body. The stem was about 130mm high

Dry cap, bulging pale pink pored undersurface

White pore surface on young specimen - notice the 'frill' around rim of cap

And notice the deep depression around the top of the stem

White flesh that does not bruise or change colour - deep pore tubes, and off-centre stem

White mycelium


A short off-centre stem on this example. Notice the right-hand side of the fungus is infected with a mould or fungus. Also notice the yellowing of the base of the stem that sometimes occurs

My sightings of Austroboletus lacunosus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Brunkerville, NSW - mixed forest May 2011

#54 Cyathus striatus

2011-05-11T07:00:00.003+10:00

Although Birds Nest fungi are tiny and inconspicuous unless massed, they are fascinating.

Cyathus striatus is commonly called Striated or Fluted Birds Nest Fungi. The size of fruit bodies varies from 5 to 10mm tall and 4 to 8mm broad. The exterior infertile surface of the tiny vase-shaped cup is brown to grey, and shaggy. When the 'lid' or cover of the 'nest' splits and decomposes, the shiny inner surface is revealed. The interior surface is distinctly grooved or striated vertically, making this species easy to identify.

The 'eggs' in the 'nest' are the spore packages, technically called peridioles. These hard-skinned shiny grey peridioles are neatly packed into the cup, each having an elastic thread (called funiculus) attached to one end, with a weight (called hapteron) attached to the end of the thread.

Their dispersal technique is remarkable. The peridole is dislodged from the cup by raindrops, and ejected with the weighted string trailing. With the help of the weighted end, the string entwines around vegetation or other organic matter, and if all goes well, spores will germinate and invade the substrate.

Alternately, herbivores will consume the peridioles with their fodder, and the spores will pass through the gut of the animal and be excreted, possibly onto suitable substrate for germination.

Cyathus striatus can be found on fallen twigs and bark, herbivore dung, organically enriched soil, and wood-chip mulch. Besides Australia, it occurs in North America, Canada, Europe, and possibly other countries.

Cyathus striatus on horse dung

Note the brown 'shaggy' exterior, and shiny grey striated interior.

Tightly packed peridioles. My thumb gives a size perspective.

My sightings of Cyathus striatus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

The Pilliga area of northwestern NSW - Merriwindi State Conservation Area, on horse dung, June 2010; Aug 2010

Medicinal uses:

Some antibiotics have been isolated from mycelia of Cyathus striatus - this could lead to treatment of some tropical diseases that are responsible for considerable mortality and morbidity.
Anti cancer effects have been found from fungal extracts prepared from Cyathus striatus, showing significant inhibiting effects on certain chemical pathways, suggesting activities worthy of investigation as cancer therapeutics.

Blog entries on other Birds Nest Fungi species:

Cyathus stercoreus

Nidula emodensis

#53 Microporus xanthopus

2011-05-04T07:00:00.001+10:00

Microporus xanthopus is a tropical species, found on rotting wood and is common from the Australasian, Asian and African tropics, but is absent from the American tropics.

Microporus xanthopus (pronunciation: Micro-poor-uss zan-though-puss) has a common name of Yellow-footed Tinypore.

The initial stage of the fruiting body is simply a white fleck on the wood surface. This enlarges into a hemispherical cushion up to a millimeter wide, and elongates to develop the stem. A wider basal disc, generally called a 'foot' develops, and is often a yellowish colour, hence the name. A funnel-shaped cap (or pileus) expands from the apex of the stem.

Funnel-shaped caps of mature fruiting bodies are thin (1mm to 3mm thickness) and are concentrically zoned in various shades of brown, usually with a pale margin which is sometimes wavy. The cap can be up to 150mm wide. Caps can hold water.

The fertile under-surface of the cap is white to dull yellow, with minute pores (8 to 10 per millimeter) and can extend down the stem (decurrent).

The central or off-centre stem can be up to 40mm long and 5mm wide, expanding at the top.

Shiny wet funnel-shaped Microporus xanthopus, concentric zones of shades of brown, with pale, wavy margin

Dry caps have lost their lustre

Not all fruiting bodies form a perfect goblet shape

White fertile lower surface has minute pores. Notice how the stem widens at the top

Off-centre stems and misshapen caps

Attractive Yellow-footed Tinypore fruiting bodies on rotting wood on the floor of a tropical North Queensland rainforest

My sightings of Microporus xanthopus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Far North Queensland - rainforest Sept 2009

Uses of Microporus xanthopus:

dried and used as ornamentation
(apparently) used in Malaysian native communities to prevent infants from breast-feeding.

#52 Battarrea stevenii

2011-04-27T20:15:00.009+10:00

My first sighting of this fungus was filled with excitement and anticipation - had I found my first Tall Stiltball? If so, why was the cap so odd, and where were the spores? I solved the puzzle with the help of a fellow fungi enthusiast, and was over the moon to find another specimen with dome-shaped spore mass intact.

Battarrea stevenii [pronunciation: Bat-ta-rhea steven-ee-eye] is commonly called Tall Stiltball, for obvious reasons; when intact, it resembles a ball on top of a stilt. It is a stalked puffball.

Unfortunately I have not yet observed a fresh specimen. The fruit body emerges from a round or oval egg-like structure up to 50mm in diameter, partly covered in sand. This 'egg' splits to form a non-gelatinous volva (a volva is typically a cup-like structure at the base of fungus fruit body stem). The stem then emerges from the volva and grows, with the top of the 'egg' remaining on top of the stem, forming a cap or cover for the spore mass. This cap will often be encrusted with sand. In time, this cover will fall off exposing the spore mass.

The dry, scaly, woody stem can be up to 350mm high and 15mm diameter. The outer layer of the head of the fruiting body flakes off, and the inner layer falls away as one piece, to reveal a rusty-brown powdery dome of spores on top of disc-shaped apex of stem.

Battarrea stevenii is a dry country fungus, growing singly or in pairs on sandy soil with leaf litter. It is a saprotrophic species (obtains nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter).

According to FungiMap, Battarrea stevenii is found in dry, semi-arid and desert regions throughout Australia. It is also found throughout North America, primarily in western regions; South America, Africa, Europe, and China.

Battarrea stevenii is inedible.


Scaly stem, disc-shaped apex of stem, spores dispersed

Stem dry and woody, somewhat resembling Stringy-bark Eucalypt texture

Notice rusty coloured spores on the stem and ground

The three components: cap (cover of spore mass), spore mass, and stem

The underside of the cap that covered the spore mass

The top side of the cap (spores on my thumb)

Habitat of Battarrea stevenii - dry open woodland with leaf litter

My sightings of Battarrea stevenii

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Gibson Way through Macquarie Marshes, NW NSW - Jul 2010, Aug 2010

#51 Phylloporus rhodoxanthus

2011-03-27T09:38:00.006+11:00

This is an intriguing fungus - although it appears to have gills, it belongs to the Boletaceae family. Phylloporus means 'gill-like pores'. The pores are arranged in rows radiating outwards resembling gills. I haven't actually dissected the fertile surface to closely investigate this.

Phylloporus rhodoxanthus has a common name of Gilled Bolete, which is most appropriate.

Caps start out convex (domed) with an inrolled margin, expanding and flattening up to 120mm across. Commonly, the caps are 'biscuit' brown,smooth and dry, but often wavy or contorted. The cap will sometimes age to funnel-shaped. With age, the surface of some caps will crack into a tessellated pattern, making identification somewhat confusing, but blue bruising of the damaged flesh is a sure identification feature.

Fresh gills are pale to bright yellow, and supple, but dry out with age to a brownish yellow. Gills can extend down the stem. Spore print is brown.

The stem is about 15mm thick, yellowish white to dirty white, from about 3 to 9 cm tall, sometimes tapering to a narrower base. Yellow mycelia is sometimes visible at the base of the stem.

Phylloporus rhodoxanthus is mycorrhizal with hardwoods, especially oaks in North America. In Australia it is often found associated with Casuarinas and Eucalypts, and is usually found in scattered groups. I believe it to be found primarily in dry woodland.

My hand gives a size perspective - a particularly large specimen

Tessellated cap surface

White flesh bruising green-blue, supple yellow fresh gills

Inrolled margin of young fruit body

Stems tapering to a narrower base, gills aging to dirty yellow


Gills running down stem (decurrent), dry and yellowish brown. Funnel shaped.

My sightings of Phylloporus rhodoxanthus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Gibson Way, northwestern NSW - Dry woodland under Eucalypts and Casuarinas, Sept 2010

Bingara, NW NSW - woodland after rain, Dec 2008

Medicinal properties/uses: Work is apparently being carried out on mycelial culture of Phylloporus rhodoxanthus investigating anti-tumor effects.

Edibility: Phylloporus rhodoxanthus is reportedly edible, but I have no confirmation or further information on this claim.

#50 Podaxis pistillaris

2011-02-19T19:30:00.004+11:00

I think it's appropriate that the 50th fungus that I post to my blog be a semi-arid area species, as I've taken such an interest in nature of the dry northwest country of New South Wales. Contrary to my initial assumption that fungi would be few and far between in the sand of the inland, I've discovered some extraordinary fungi as well as flushes of a wide variety of species after soaking rains.

Podaxis pistillaris is one such strange fungus of arid and semi-arid areas. Pronunciation is Pod-axis piss-till-are-iss, and its common name is Black Powderpuff.

This stalked puffball is reported to be reasonably common under the right conditions, but I've only been lucky enough to find one outbreak.

The club-shaped cap on rigid woody stem can reach a total height of about 200mm. Fresh specimens have caps covered by a white skin that ages to patchy or scaly dirty white, to eventually become wrinkled. Matured cap skin then cracks and falls off in flakes or pieces, revealing a dark brown spongy spore mass.

The dense, dry, powdery gleba is not a tightly packed mass that ends up falling apart quickly when exposed to the elements of wind, rain and animal movement. When I touched one, it was obvious it had a fine knitted texture like sheer panty-hose stretch silk fabric, and when picked at, released dark brown (almost black) spores in powdery puffs. This feature, combined with a sturdy fibrous stem extending into the gleba, means the fungus persists under whatever climatic conditions are dished up, allowing the spores to be distributed over time.

Podaxis pistillaris inhabits open situations growing singly or in groups in sandy or clay soils, and is saprotrophic (obtains nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter).

Fungimap Australia has recorded Podaxis pistillaris throughout inland Australia, but not Tasmania. It is also found in Africa and South Africa, Afghanistan, Brazil, USA, Pakistan, Iran, and other countries with semi-arid or desert eco-systems. It has not been found in Japan or Europe.

My sightings of Podaxis pistillaris

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Cobar, NSW - sand and clay bush tracks and roadsides after rain, Sept 2010.

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

Uses for Podaxis pistillaris: The fruiting bodies of P. pistillaris are used in some parts of Yemen for the treatment of skin diseases, in South Africa as folk medicine against sunburn. In other countries, e.g. India, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, they are used as food.

Preliminary experiments have been conducted on the artificial cultivation of Desert mushroom (or Black Powderpuff), Podaxis pistillaris, at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The results reveal that it can also be easily grown as that of other cultivated mushrooms with a little difference.

In Australia, the fungus was historically used by Aborigines to darken the white hair in the whiskers of old men, for body painting and as a fly repellent.

Medicinal properties: Podaxis pistillaris have been reported to be used in China to treat inflammation but there doesn't appear to be any scientific evidence that might support this usage. Water extracts from the mushroom have apparently been shown to have carbohydrates with beneficial effects on the immune system in vitro. [Some reading here]

#49 Coltricia cinnamomea

2010-09-07T07:00:00.003+10:00

Although this terrestrial polypore is reasonably common, it's always a treat to see. It has a distinctive satin-like sheen which is caused by the pattern of shining radial surface hairs. It is delicately zoned with concentric bands of cinnamon brown with a central depression, often vase-shaped.

Concentric cinnamon to orange-brown zones
with pale wavy rim of Coltricia cinnamomea

The cap of Coltricia cinnamomea can be up to 5cm wide, but I haven't seen any that big. I've commonly seen fruit bodies up to 3cm. Fruit bodies are often joined to other fruit bodies, and can grow around and incorporating twigs and debris.

The dry, velvety, shiny cap can't be separated from the pored lower fertile surface. The pore layer is pale cinnamon-brown to yellow-brown, with 2 to 3 pores per mm. Spore print is yellow-brown.

Stem is 1-4 cm long, 1-3 mm thick, central, round to compressed, solid, finely velvety, and equal except enlarged at the base. Stems can sometimes be fuses with other stems of the same species. The whole fruit body is tough and leathery.

Coltricia cinnamomea is a wood rotting fungus and grows from decaying sub-surface wood and tree roots in forests and woodland in a variety of soil and climates. Besides Australia, this small polypore is found in North America, but I am unsure where else around the world it occurs.

A tiny new specimen of Coltricia cinnamomea.
Note the velvety twisted stem.

A shiny vase-shaped specimen growing amongst lichen.
Notice the cup fungi, Aleurina ferruginea to the left.

Pored lower surface of a fresh specimen can be whitish

. . . . .or cinnamon-brown or pinkish

. . . . .to yellowish-brown when mature.

Notice (left) two fruit bodies fused together

Multiple stems indicates multiple fruit bodies fused

My sightings of Coltricia cinnamomea

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Pilliga Forests, Northwest NSW - native woodland, semi-arid, Jul 10, Sep 10.

Werakata NP, Cessnock, NSW - native woodland, Jul 07, Aug 10.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW - Jul 10.

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

Medicinal properties: Research has been conducted on mycelial culture of Coltricia cinnamomea with results showing promise of reducing some tumors.

Coltricia cinnamomea is inedible, but can easily be dried for ornamental purposes.

#48 Trametes versicolor

2010-09-03T06:35:00.005+10:00

Trametes versicolor is a bracket fungus found in a variety of habitats and substrates. Commonly called Rainbow Fungus, Rainbow Bracket, or Turkey Tails, it has previously been known as Coriolus versicolor.

This common wood-decaying fungus often forms extensive tiers on dead logs, branches and structural timber such as fence posts. It can also parasitise living trees. I've found it in damp forests in the Great Dividing Range in NSW and far north Queensland.

Beautiful fresh fruit bodies of Trametes versicolor
in rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park

Besides occurring in Australia, Trametes versicolor is one of the most common fungi in the northern forests of the world, in Europe to China and Japan, from Siberia to the US and Canada. "Trametes" means skinny, and "versicolor" means multi-coloured.

Brackets can be up to 70mm wide with a radius of 50mm, often larger and forming flexible shelves. Brackets are thin, leathery, relatively flat, but can be 'wavy'. Minute hairs give the upper surface a velvety appearance, with zones of grey, greenish, bluish, rusty-orange or brown, and often have a white margin.

The fertile undersurface is white when fresh, discolouring to cream and then brownish, with minute pores of 3 or more per millimeter. Spore print is white.

Note (centre top) the fruit body first appears
as a patch of white pored fertile surface.

Trametes versicolor in rainforest at Paluma, Qld

Colour of brackets is very variable

Fertile under-surface

A 'shelf' fruiting body about 150mm long

Note how the bracket is adhered to the substrate
by a narrow vertical extension

A mass of faded Trametes versicolor

My sightings of Trametes versicolor

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - on stumps and fallen timber in rainforest, Jun 08, Jul 10.

Paluma, North Qld - stumps in rainforest, Aug 08.

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

Research and uses: Trametes versicolor is medically significant, most importantly it is known as being a natural source of the anti-cancer polysaccharide PSK. PSK (polysaccharide K) is a high molecular weight carbohydrate found in the fruitbodies and (in higher concentrations) in the mycelium.

Trametes versicolor cancer research

more info on cancer research with T. versicolor

Trametes versicolor can be used for dyeing wool, some fabrics, or paper and will yield a brown color with wool when ammonia is used as a mordant (colour fixer).

Some information on dyeing with fungi

This member of the polypore family has a long history of medicinal use in China and Japan, where it is known as Yun Zhi and Kawaratake, respectively.

#47 Ganoderma australe

2010-08-27T07:00:00.003+10:00

Rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park provides ideal habitat for countless fungi species. Large woody bracket fungi jutting out from tree trunks are common. Ganoderma australe is one of the largest.

A Ganoderma australe fungi fruit body 300mm wide.
Notice the new layer under the old, cracking layer.

Ganoderma australe from family Ganodermataceae was previously known as G. applanatum. Fruit bodies can reach 600mm across on living trees causing white rot which will eventually kill the tree. It can live for several more years on the dead stump. It is found near the base of trees, often at the site of an old wound.

A new fertile layer is added each year. The minutely pored white undersurface readily bruises dark red-brown when scratched or bruised. Messages written on the white pore layer become permanent when the fungus dries, consequently it is sometimes referred to as 'Artist's Conk'. Spore print is brown.

This wood-decaying fungus is found in wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest on native or exotic trees. The shelf-like fruit bodies are generally fan or hoof-shaped, dry, brown, and often cracked. The brown bracket often has a white rounded margin.

Note the radial growth zones, and the fine cracks

This Ganoderma australe fruit body in the rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park on a living tree is about 300mm wide, and 50mm deep.

The white pored fertile undersurface immediately
bruised dark red-brown when I scratched it.

White rounded margin and radial colour zones
of fresh Ganoderma australe fruit body

And old, softened Ganoderma australe fungus fallen.

The discarded fungus has dark brown undersurface

Fresh Ganoderma australe with scratched pored surface

My sightings of Ganoderma australe

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - on living and dead rainforest trees, Nov 07, Jul 10.

Brunkerville, NSW - on dead wood Jun 2011.

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

Woody polypores of the Ganodermataceae family have been used in Asian folk medicine for centuries. Collectively, the Ganoderma are being investigated for a variety of potential therapeutic benefits.

There is apparently potential for Ganoderma species in bioremediation. Bioremediation can be defined as any process that uses micro-organisms, fungi, green plants or their enzymes to return the natural environmental altered by contaminants to its original condition, eg: clean up of oil spills.

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

Here is an excellent example of a Ganoderma australe bracket fungus with many, many layers added:

Bill Leithhead's Fungi Pages

#46 Amanita muscaria

2010-08-24T07:00:00.000+10:00

Many years ago when I first saw the distinctive spotted red toadstool Amanita muscaria (then nameless to me), I couldn't believe my eyes - I'd previously thought they were only fanciful creations of fairy tales. But there they were growing on a grassy bank beneath big old pine trees in the NSW Southern Highlands, right beside the road.

I've since found them several times in the pine plantations of Hanging Rock in the mountains south east of Tamworth, NSW. They make a spectacular sight.

A cluster of Amanita muscaria at all stages of maturity
Hanging Rock pine plantations, April 2003

Amanita muscaria (pronunciation: Aman-ee-ta musk-air-ee-ah), is commonly known as Fly Agaric. It is an introduced poisonous fungus.

Habitat: Amanita muscaria is a micorrhizal species found on the ground and in leaf litter, mainly under exotic conifers and broadleaved trees. It occurs in large groups, and is common. Of some concern, it is extending its range into some native forests. This spread will change the ecosystem, causing decline or elimination of some native fungi.

Characteristics: In its mature, but fresh, state, Amanita muscaria is unmistakable with its bright red cap dotted with white 'warts'. Immature fruit bodies are completely enclosed in a white membranous universal veil, which ruptures to form the cap scales and volva. The cap diameter can be as large as 250mm, with the white shaggy stem as tall as 220mm. The stem is bulbous at the base, with a high skirt-like, soft, white ring. Gills are white, close, and of various lengths. Spore print is white.

An immature fruit body of Amanita muscaria encased in a dry, white, scaly covering that will separate with the expansion of the cap, to form the white 'warts' on the red surface.

Note the concentration of remains of the universal veil around the rim of the cap. Also note the white skirt-like ring that is edged in an orange-buff 'frill'.

A typical rounded cap of Amanita muscaria

A tall specimen need not have an equally large cap. Note the scaly bulbous base, and the 'frilly' ring high on the stem.

With age, the cap of Amanita muscaria may flatten
out and turn up, fading to orange.

My sightings of Amanita muscaria

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Southern Highlands, NSW - grass under exotic pines

Hanging Rock, NSW - leaf litter under plantation pines, Apr 03, Mar 05.

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

It is thought that Amanita muscaria probably originated in Asia or Europe. From there it spread to cover most parts of the northern hemisphere. In more recent times it has been transported (unintentionally by humans) to areas of the southern hemisphere.

Today it can be found scattered across the globe, from places as far north as Alaska and Siberia to areas as far south as Australia, South Africa, and South America.

The name of the mushroom (muscaria) is reportedly derived from the Latin word musca, which means fly. It was traditionally thought that this was because Amanita muscaria was be used as an insecticide to kill flies.

However, there apparently exists no firm evidence the Fly Agaric was ever used in Europe (as a fly killer) before medieval times. Rather, it has been suggested this is a linguistic reflection of the apparent narcotic potency of Amanita muscaria and its shamanic and religious past.

#45 Geastrum fornicatum

2010-08-20T07:00:00.001+10:00

Following 50mm rain in northwestern NSW recently, I found 10 species of fungi in my residential backyard at Baradine, all on the same day. At least 4 were species I'd previously not seen. Geastrum fornicatum (Arching Earth Star), was a beaut find under the peppercorn tree (Schinus molle - an introduced tree originally from South America, and known as a pest in Australia).

Geastrum fornicatum - Arching Earth Star

Unlike other Geastrum species that have lobes spreading out and curling upwards, or under the spore sac, the lobes of Arching Earth Star are joined at the points to an underground cup-shaped 'skin'.

This species was reported to be named Fungus anthropomorphus when first described in 1688 because of its uncanny resemblance to a human figure. 'Fornicatum' is derived from 'fornix' which refers to an arch.

Like other earthstars, the fruit body of Geastrum fornicatum is initially a small, off-white, partly buried sphere, or 'egg', about 17mm diameter. The outer, leathery wall (peridium) splits open into 4 or 5 triangular rays, that fold down into "legs" that support the spherical spore case that sits on a short stalk or pedicel.

The soft leathery spore case splits or punctures into a pore-like mouth at the apex to allow the dark brown spores to be distributed. The width of the arched fruit body is less than 5cm.

Habitat of Arching Earth Star is scattered or dense groups in leaf litter or in dry woodland and mallee scrub. It is also found in Europe and North America.

The 5 triangular rays of Geastrum fornicatum are joined to a basal cup at the points. The cup sits below ground-level, with the outer surface coated in sand, dirt and debris. The spore sac sits on a 3mm 'stalk'.

With some of the points separated, the basal cup can be seen to have shorter rays. The inner surface of the basal cup is off-white and relatively smooth. I found a native cockroach sheltering in the underground cup of this Arched Earth Star - what a resourceful little creature!

With the cockroach evicted, the inner structure of both the arched top section of the fungus, and the basal cup.

I ripped the soft leathery spore sac
to investigate the dark brown spore mass.

My sightings of Geastrum fornicatum

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Baradine, NSW - residential backyard under mature peppercorn tree, 8 scattered, Jul 2010.

#44 Mycenastrum corium

2010-08-16T09:40:00.005+10:00

I've had the opportunity to search for dry-country fungi lately, and what fascinating fungi I've found. The Pilliga Forests and surrounds in semi-arid northwestern NSW have recently received decent rainfall, with all areas of nature benefiting.

Mycenastrum corium is a large tough-skinned puffball that splits into a star-shaped structure exposing the brown spore mass to the elements.

A mature specimen of Mycenastrum corium.
My hand gives an indication of the size of the fungus.

Mycenastrum corium is reported to be an arid to semi-arid species in Australia. In North America it is apparently most commonly found in association with horse or cow manure, or in lawns. It also occurs in New Zealand and Europe.

The specimens on this page were photographed in the semi-arid grazing country surrounding the Macquarie Marshes in northwestern NSW following soaking rain.

This hard-skinned puffball can reach 200mm in diameter. The outer white peridium (skin) sloughs away to reveal a tough inner purple-brown to brown peridium up to 2mm thick. The mature fruit body cracks and splits at the apex, with the stiff skin recurving in earthstar-like rays, or irregular segments.

Immature white gleba matures to an olive-brown, purple-brown or brown spore mass, which is dispersed by the elements once exposed. The mature spore mass often exhibits conspicuous thorny projections.

Mature fruit bodies do not appear to be attached to the substrate, and can roll around in the wind. The fruit body does not have a stem or a sterile base. Some sporocarps (fungal fruit bodies) may be partially buried in the substrate. It grows solitary or in scattered groups.

I wandered around several scattered groups of Mycenastrum corium, amazed by the different shapes of the mature fruit bodies. It was the first time I had encountered this fascinating puffball, and it was an exciting find.

There are international reports of Mycenastrum corium being edible at a stage when the gleba is still in its immature, soft, white state, but this has not been tested or confirmed in Australia. Wild-picked fungi should never be consumed without confident identification and expert mycological advice.

I would be most grateful if readers could let me know what locations and habitats they have found this puffball, especially in Australia. Bruce Fuhrer mentions in 'A Field Guide to Australian Fungi' Mycenastrum corium occasionally occuring in coastal dunes.

A half-buried Mycenastrum corium
with tough skin just cracked at the apex

Showing the size of the newly cracked puffball

The tough skin of Mycenastrum corium
peeled back in a star-like fashion

Showing the brown spore mass partly dispersed.
The fruit bodies were not attached to the ground.

Not all Mycenastrum corium puffballs split into star-like shapes - this one irregularly-shaped segments of the stiff skin. This image shows the habitat.

This puffball fruit body is more oval than round.
Notice the spiny projections in the spore mass.

A better illustration of spiny projections in the
spore mass of mature Mycenastrum corium.

Extremely recurved lobes of Mycenastrum corium
with spore mass completely dispersed.

My sightings of Mycenastrum corium

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Gibson Way, northwest of Quambone, NSW - scattered groups in dry leaf litter in sparsely treed dry cattle-grazing paddock following soaking rain: Aug 2010.

#43 Panus fasciatus

2010-08-10T07:00:00.000+10:00

Panus fasciatus (pronunciation: Pan-uss fassy-ah-tuss), commonly called the Hairy Trumpet, is a common wood decaying fungus found on dead wood in forests and woodlands Australia wide.

The distinctive hairy funnel-like fruit bodies of
Panus fasciatus

It's not often, when an amateur is attempting to identify fungi, that there can be no chance misidentification. Panus fasciatus is one notable exception, being one of the few really 'hairy' agarics.

The cap has a diameter to 50mm, convex with deeply inrolled margins at first, maturing to a deep funnel shape. The top of the light-brown to mid-brown cap is densely covered with stiff hairs. Gills are decurrent (gills attached for some distance down the stem), moderately close, of various lengths, brown, often with violet tints. The cap is tough and leathery.

Spores are white; I have not yet successfully obtained a spore print from Panus fasciatus.

Central stem is very tough, like gristle. It is brown and densely hairy, brown, can be either slender or stout, with a height of up to 30mm.

Panus fasciatus will rehydrate following rain, and dried fruit bodies may persist for a long time.

Primarily, Panus fasciatus is a fungus of dry eucalypt forests, mallee woodland, semi-arid and desert habitats. It is a saprotrophic species. Saprotrophic fungi gain source nutrients from dead organic material by breaking down components of the substrate. Saprotrophs play a vital role in reducing the accumulation of dead organic material and in the recycling of essential nutrients, particularly carbon and nitrogen.

Pale brown gills of fresh Panus fasciatus fruit bodies.

A deep central depression in the hairy cap.

A tiny brown, leathery, hairy formation
of an emerging fruit body of Panus fasciatus.

This fresh specimen has a violet tinge to gills.

Dried, aging specimens of Panus fasciatus.

Aging Panus fasciatus fruit bodies fade, and often exhibit green tinges, which I presume is some sort of mould.

My sightings of Panus fasciatus

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Werakata National Park, NSW - Eucalypt/Leptospermum/Acacia woodland: May 09, Jul 10.

Hunter Valley, NSW - Native woodland: Jul 07, Jul 10.

Pilliga Forests, NSW - semi-arid native woodlands of northwest NSW: Sep 09.

#42 Leratiomyces ceres

2010-08-06T07:00:00.002+10:00

This common, orange, gilled mushroom has undergone several name changes. Until recently Leratiomyces ceres was known as Stropharia aurantiaca, and previously Hypholoma aurantiaca.

Fruit bodies are found gregariously, solitary or in clusters on wood chips in parks and gardens. Besides Australia, it occurs in North America, Europe, New Zealand and more. It's origin is unknown as it is likely to be transported around the world on wood chips. It apparently rarely occurs in natural woodland, but I think I found a single fruit body on a grassy clearing in Barrington Tops National Park.

Different stages of Leratiomyces ceres.

The cap is initially convex, becoming broadly convex, broadly bell-shaped or flat. When flat, a low umbo is usually present. Colour varies from reddish brown to shades of orange and can be sticky when fresh, or slippery when wet with rain, but quickly dries. Remnants of a white partial veil are usually found on the rim of the cap.

Gills are of various lengths, and are pale buff-grey when young, often tinged with dirty yellow, maturing to purplish grey flecked with rusty orange. Spore print is purplish black.

Stem is hollow, 3 to 10cms tall, dry, with hairy scales. Initially white, the stem matures with orange or brown colouration. Whitish to yellowish mycelial threads often appear at the base.

Leratiomyces ceres is reported to be poisonous.

Young Leratiomyces ceres with woolly stems

A bell-shaped cap

Mature stems are sometimes twisted.
Notice pale gills of young specimen.

Gills darken with purplish black spores with maturity.
Notice the white partial veil remnants on rim
and purple-black staining on stem from spores.
(surrounded by tiny Birds Nest Fungi)

Hollow stalk can turn orange with age.

Stem can have a shank buried by wood chips.

Cap ages to brownish orange, gills to dull brown.

My sightings of Leratiomyces ceres

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Garden, Heatherbrae, NSW - gregarious and clusters in wood chip mulched gardens May 2005, Jul 2010, Aug 2010

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - single fruit body in grassy clearing, Jul 10.

A Leratiomyces ceres fruit body infected by a species of the parasitic fungus Spinellus from Family Zygomycete. Sporangiophores are the hair-like reproductive stalks, topped with sporangi (the tiny black dot-like spore-containing receptacles.)

#41 Cymatoderma elegans var. lamellatum

2010-08-02T15:00:00.000+10:00

Fungi that don't take the usual mushroom-like form, are absolutely fascinating, and Cymatoderma elegans is a beauty. It's common name is Leathery Goblet, and I have also seen it referred to as Wine Glass Fungus - both of which are self explanatory.

A beautiful Cymatoderma elegans in the rainforest of Barrington Tops National Park - with concentric rings on the upper surface, in shades of brown and off-white, and low vertical ridges.

Cymatoderma elegans var. lamellatum (pronunciation: Sigh-mat-o-der-ma elegans) is from Family Podoscyphaceae. In Australia it is found on rotting wood in rainforests on the east coast.

The cap has the feel of soft, thin, flexible leather. Colour of the upper surface of this funnel-shaped fungus can vary from almost white, to many shades of brown, sometimes with hints of violet. Reliable books define the size of the cap as "diameter to 100mm, depth to 150mm", but I found one specimen recently with diameter to 350mm and depth to 250mm.

The upper surface of the cap has concentric (circular) zones, and numerous vertical folds and wrinkles. It has either a ragged or an irregular outer edge. The lower fertile surface of the cap is smooth, whitish in colour, with smooth folds and rounded ridges. The spore print is white; I obtained a good spore print.

The central or off-centre stem has a length to 75mm and a diameter to 15mm. The stem is tough and woody, brown on brown caps, and whitish on pale caps. One cap can have more than one stem, with the cap of each stem merging as they grow to form a single fruit body.

The smooth white lower surface. This fruit body of Cymatoderma elegans emerges from the ground, therefore must be attached to rotting wood below the surface of the ground.

Upper surface of this specimen of Cymatoderma elegans has several tones of pale brown. Note the raised pale concentric zone nearing the top of the cap is 'hairy' or velvety.

An aged Cymatoderma elegans fruit body.

Brown upper surface, with pale under surface (right)

The hand gives a size comparison to this unusually large specimen of Cymatoderma elegans - 350mm diameter and 250mm depth. This fruit body has three stipes (stems) so is presumably three merged caps.

The pale under surface has vertical folds and ridges.

Three short brown woody stems.

Three species of Cymatoderma have been recorded in Australia, Cymatoderma dentriticum has not had any authentic Australian sightings since 1892, and Cymatoderma plicatum (separated from C. elegans only by slightly larger spores), was collected in 1918, but not since. [Ref: Vol 18 March 1999 Australasian Mycologist Journal]

Medicinal properties: It has been recorded that compounds extracted from mycelial culture of Cymatoderma elegans tested on mice inhibits the growth of some cancers. The Polysaccharides extracted exhibit anticarcinogenic properties in controlled experiments. [Ref: Medicinal Mushrooms]

My sightings of Cymatoderma elegans

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - Rainforest, Mar 04, Jul 10.

#40 Chlorophyllum hortense

2010-07-28T11:34:00.002+10:00

A wide variety of 'white toadstools' pop up in lawns, paddocks and roadside verges, and they can be difficult to confidently identify. I am reasonably sure I have this one correctly identified, but if any reader disagrees, please let me know.

Chlorophyllum hortense is from the family Agaricaceae. It is a big, fleshy fungus and occurs commonly in man-made habitats - in compost-enriched garden soil and lawns, and grazing pastures. It has a wide tropical and sub-tropical distribution, and in Australia is found in the eastern states, except for cold regions. It is also found in North and South America, Africa, Japan, India and parts of Asia.

Chlorophyllum hortense

Cap is 5 to 10cms wide, white to cream, tightly convex at first, widening to broadly convex. It has a distinct yellowish to brownish umbo (central bump on top of cap), and is strongly striated (grooved) on margins. Yellowish to brownish dry scales are present on the cap.

The stem is 3 to 7cm tall, perhaps even to 10cms, and has a movable annulus (fleshy ring). It is hollow, with a swollen base. Flesh is white and thin, and rapidly reddens when cut or bruised - this is an identifying feature of Chlorophyllum hortense. It has a mushroomy smell, white gills, and white spores.

The fungi pictured here were fruiting in my lawn a few summers ago. They formed a 'fairy ring' (diameter 3mts) of 52 fungi. Six weeks later, 64 Chlorophyllum hortense appeared in the same area in my lawn, all having moved a further 30cm out, forming a larger fairy ring. I have since moved from my rural home into town, so have not had the opportunity to make further detailed observations.

New fruiting bodies of Chlorophyllum hortense,
with one cut to display red bruising when flesh is cut.
Also, notice the hollow stem.

Series of 3 images of a group of Chlorophyllum hortense:

27 January 2005 - notice the prominent scales

24 hours later - the caps broaden. Notice the striations around the rim of the cap. Notice also, the droplet of water on the left-hand fungus has colour leeched from the cap colour.

30 hrs later, the fungi fruit bodies are dry and collapsing

A splitting cap of Chlorophyllum hortense -
Notice the dry movable ring on stem.

Distinct umbo on cap

There is some confusion regarding the nomenclature of Chlorophyllum hortense. In Australia it has gone under the name of Leucoagaricus fimetarius at some time. In North America and Hawaii it is known as Leucoagaricus hortensis or Lepiota humei. In Africa it is known as Leucoagaricus bisporus. And in Japan it is called Macrolepiota alborubescens.

Toxicity: There are differing opinions on the toxicity of Chlorophyllum hortense, so consuming it should definitely be avoided. In Brazil, at least two young children have died after consuming Chlorophyllum hortense, and several people have become ill. But studies have shown that levels of toxicity are affected by environmental conditions, thus the opposing opinions.

My sightings of Chlorophyllum hortense:

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Singleton, NSW - rural, lawn, Jan 05, Feb 05

#39 Scleroderma cepa

2010-07-25T10:45:00.001+10:00

While puffballs are not as aesthetically appealing as the fungi showing off brilliant colours or fancy form, they are fascinating in their own right.

Scleroderma cepa belongs to the tough skinned puffball genus.

Scleroderma cepa amongst sparse grass

My observations of Scleroderma cepa match well with reliable sources. Fruit bodies grow to about 60mm in diameter, yellow-brown in colour, smooth at first, reticulated and cracked with age, folding back in lobes to expose the purple-brown spore mass.

Unlike the soft-skinned puffballs, Scleroderma cepa is never soft to touch. The gleba (immature spore mass) remains compacted for some time before the spores mature. When the top of the fruit body cracks and peels back, the mature spores are dispersed by the elements.

A wide range of habitats appears suitable for this puffball - I have found it in grassy areas (lawns and parks), semi-arid woodland, and it is reportedly common in mixed forest.

Scleroderma cepa is often partly buried by soil,
and the top is often somewhat flattened.

An immature specimen shows the internal white skin turning brown, and a solid speckled purplish-black spore mass.

The internal skin has turned yellow with cracking

The skin on the top has peeled back in lobes
to expose the mature purplish spore mass

As the fruit body ages, lobes flatten and spores disperse

Finally, after the spores have completely dispersed, the tough skin remains, and is sometimes confused with the remains of an Earthstar fungus (Geastrum).

My sightings of Scleroderma cepa

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW - in sparse grass Jul 10.

Baradine, NSW - in sparse grass in residential lawn Jun 10, Jul 10.

Binnaway, NSW - in sparse grass in park Jul 10.

Maitland, Hunter Valley, NSW - in sparse grass amongst scattered native trees.

#38 Cortinarius rotundisporus

2010-07-22T10:47:00.003+10:00

A blue mushroom - beautiful! Blue is not a common colour amongst fungi, but the Cortinariaceae family features a few blueish species.

Cortinarius rotundisporus - Elegant Blue Webcap

Cortinarius rotundisporus (pronunciation: Court-in-air-ee-us row-tun-dee-spore-uss), has the very appropriate common name of Elegant Blue Webcab. The 'webcap' refers to the cortina, which is a partial veil consisting of a cobweb-like protective covering over the immature spore-bearing surface. Cortinas typically disintegrate as the mushroom matures, disappearing entirely, or leaving a ring-zone on the stem.

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

The cap can grow to 70mm diameter, convex at first, flattening out, often turning up with age. It is a deep indigo blue, paling with age, eventually becoming a rusty-brown tinged with blue. At first, the cap is viscid (slimy), but dries with age. A broad greenish-yellow umbo (central swelling or 'bump') is usually present in mature specimens.

Gills are close together and of various lengths; pale lavender tinged with buff in young specimens, maturing to a rusty-brown. The stem is usually slender and can reach a height of 140mm with a diameter up to 20mm; bluish at the top, and white to yellow at the base; and can be slimy when young. Spore print is rusty-brown.

Cortinarius rotundisporus is reportedly a common species found singly or in groups on the ground in Eucalypt forests and woodlands in temperate Australia.

[Ref: "Fungi Down Under - the Fungimap Guide to Australian Fungi"]

A tiny convex fresh specimen with a maturing one

Caps expanding from convex through to flattening.
Note the yellowish umbo on the right-hand cap.

Caps flattening out - note rusty-brown spores
on stem, and cap of smaller fungus.

And the cap sometimes eventually turns up.

The cap turns a rusty-brown with age.
Note Aleurina ferruginea in the left of image.

Pale gills on a young fruit body. . . . .

. . . . .turning a slightly darker shade of lavender
tinged with buff. . . . .

. . . . .finally turning a rusty shade of brown.

My sightings of Cortinarius rotundisporus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Brunkerville, NSW - Native forest, Jul 2010, May 2011, Jun 2011.

New England NP, NSW - Native forest, May.

#37 Amanita xanthocephala

2010-07-19T17:22:00.021+10:00

This is the first Amanita I've featured on my blog, and it is not a typical Amanita - unlike most Amanitas, it has no ring on the stem.

Amanita xanthocephala (pronunciation: Aman-ee-ta zan-though-seff-allah) is a pretty forest fungus with orange cap and contrasting white gills. It's common name is Vermilion Grisette or Vermilion Amanita.

The orange/yellow/red cap is commonly 3 to 5 cms with a deeper colour towards the centre, and paler similar colour warts. The 'warts' are veil remnants and are generally in the centre of the cap. Initially, the cap is convex, flattening out. The cap margin is radially grooved.

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The stem is 2 to 6 cms, white to pale yellow, slender, and covered in fine white scales. Although there is no ring on the stem of this Amanita, orange remnants of the volva can be present. The volva (swollen base of stem) is white, but has an out-turned lip bordered in orange or yellow.

Gills are white to pale yellow, close together, and of various lengths. Spore print is white. Amanita xanthocephala is a native fungus found singly or in scattered groups on the ground amongst leaf litter in native forests.

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

This Amanita is mycorrhizal, meaning it forms an association with the host plants' roots where both parties benefit.

A pretty specimen of Amanita xanthocephala
amongst leaf litter and lichen in Werakata National Park

Orange cap with central scales (remains of volva), and striations around margin. Note the orange rim of the volva at ground level.

Although Amanita xanthocephala does not have a stem ring, orange volva remnants can be left on the stem. Also, remnants of the volva can cling to the rim of the cap, as shown in the image below.

Features of the stem and gills. . . . .

. . .and a close-up of the orange out-turned lip of the
volva, and note the tiny white scales on the stem

A 1cm young Amanita xanthocephala top right of image

A faded aging specimen of Amanita xanthocephala

My sightings of Amanita xanthocephala

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Werakata National Park, Cessnock, NSW - on ground amongst leaf litter and lichen in Eucalypt/Leptospermum/Acacia woodland - Jul 2010, July 2011

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW - amongst leaf litter in garden - Aug 2010, Jun 2011

#36 Phlebopus marginatus

2010-07-13T15:30:00.002+10:00

While some species of Boletes are common and widespread, Boletes are not your average fungus - instead of gills on the fertile under-surface, Boletes have pores. Tightly packed vertical 'tubes' are affixed to the flesh of the fungus cap with the 'tube' openings all that is visible. The openings are called pores. The underside of a Bolete fungus is covered in minute pores from which the reproductive spores emerge.

Phlebopus marginatus is likely to be Australia's largest terrestrial fungus, with caps reaching to 1 metre across. A specimen from western Victoria was recorded weighing 29 kg.

Phlebopus marginatus at
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW.

Like many Boletes, the soft flesh of Phlebopus marginatus is a favourite breeding ground for insects, the larva of which cause rapid decomposition of the fungus. The mid to dark brown cap is smooth, and viscid (slippery) when wet. Edges of the cap may be irregularly shaped partially turned up. Juvenile caps are convex.

Flesh is thick and white; the pore surface is a dull yellow, aging to brown. The stem is very thick, pale to mid brown (often with a bulbous base) with a deep indentation surrounding the top where it joins the pore surface.

This large Bolete can be found at any time of year following soaking rain. It is commonly found in eucalypt forest, as well as grassy expanses such as sports ovals and parks.

This is one of several Phlebopus marginatus that
I found in damp roadside native vegetation near Cessnock

My husband's hand gives a size comparison

My hand gives a size comparison to this one at
Hunter Region Botanic Garden - July 2010

Notice the deep indentation where the stem joins
the pore surface

Thick white flesh of a fresh specimen not yet riddled with maggots. The pale yellow section is the crowding of elongated hollow tube-like structures which hold the spores.

The pore surface

The cap and stalk have darkened with age, and the cap has been damaged. This specimen was growing in lawn at Hunter Region Botanic Garden in July 2007.

My sightings of Phlebopus marginatus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW - in lawn July (2007, 2010)

Werakata NP, Cessnock, NSW - in damp native vegetation, July (2010)

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More information on Phlebopus marginatus:

Fungi enthusiast and chemical engineer features this bolete in his blog, including potential edibility: Tall trees and mushrooms.

#35 Cordyceps gunnii

2010-07-09T06:40:00.002+10:00

The Hunter Valley has received light showers of rain recently (as has many other parts of eastern Australia), hence the time is right for fungi.

Cordyceps gunnii (Dark Vegetable Caterpillar) is an intriguing fungus. Cordyceps are parasitic fungi, but rather than choose a plant as a host like many other parasitic fungi, they attack insect larvae.

The mycelium (underground mass of microscopic fungi filaments called hyphae) of cordyceps gunnii invades a moth larva, feeding on it and eventually replacing the host tissue. An elongated fruiting body is then sent to the surface to distribute spores to aid in the spreading of the fungus.

Cordyceps gunnii fruiting bodies
Werekata National Park, Cessnock, NSW

The black club-like or finger-like Cordyceps gunnii fungus fruit-bodies usually appear under mature wattles. The habitat of the examples featured here was Eucalypt, Leptospermum and Acacia woodland. Fruit-bodies have a height of up to 120mm above the ground, are dark olive-green to black in colour, are cylindrical or flattened with a blunt end. The smooth surface is covered in minute dots (ostioles), from which white spores emerge.

The head merges smoothly into a stem - this is an identifying feature, separating it from other dark club-like fungi. The white to pale yellow underground stem can reach 400mm, depending on the depth of the moth larva it has parasitised.

Cordyceps gunnii grows singly or in groups, and is known to be common. I found a colony of more than 20 fruiting bodies after rain.

A copious amount of white spores surrounds
this Cordyceps fruit-body

Notice the smooth transition from head to stalk.
My hand gives a size comparison.

The tiny 'dots' on the head are openings for spores
to emerge from the mature fruiting body

This Cordyceps fruit-body is coated in white spores

A flattened, rather than the usual cylindrical fruit-body

If a caterpillar larva is especially rich in nutrients
two clubs of the Dark Vegetable Caterpillar may emerge

I managed to extract the full stem of this Cordyceps

My sightings of Cordyceps gunnii

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Werekata NP, Cessnock, NSW - Eucalypt, Leptospermum and Acacia woodland - Jul

New England NP, NSW - Native forest - May.

#34 Auricularia cornea

2010-07-05T18:32:00.004+10:00

Many newly emerged fungi fruiting bodies look vastly different to the mature fungus, making identification difficult. In this blog I will try to illustrate, in photos, the different stages of the life cycle.

Auricularia cornea (Jelly Ear Fungus),belongs to the jelly group, which are generally gelatinous in texture and appearance, having a high water content.

The upper sterile surface of Auricularia cornea is covered in a dense silky coat of minute pale grey hairs. The lower fertile surface is smooth and hairless. The spores are white, and I have actually been successful obtaining a spore print (not an easy task for jelly fungi).

The shape of a mature fungus is usually convex. When crowding occurs, the fungi are contorted into irregular shapes, often with wrinkled surfaces. The consistency of the flesh is tough (doesn't break with rough treatment, and is difficult to tear with force), wobbly in a gelatinous manner - rubber-like. Colour is reddish brown, and translucent, drying to nearly black.

Auricularia cornea has the remarkable ability to rehydrate many months after it has dried out. I have witnessed a colony of this fungus rehydrate several times after rain throughout a 1 year period. I presume the fruiting bodies are resistant to insect and invertebrate attack when in a dessicated state, but I am unaware if the rehydrated fungus produces a second or third flush of spores.

Substrate is dead wood in tropical to subtropical forests, but I have observed them on dying exotic trees in suburbia.

A freshly rehydrated colony of Auricularia cornea

Tiny new velvety fruiting bodies of Jelly Ear Fungus.
The right-hand top corner of the image is covered
by a mature specimen.

A close-up of new fruiting bodies about 1cm in diameter.
Notice more new fungi pushing up the bark of the tree.

Smooth maturing specimens.
Notice the hollow surface white with spores.

Without crowding, the fungi are not wrinkled.
Minutely hairy upper surface, smooth undersurface

Some will take on strange shapes,
but still generally convex.
Note the tiny new fruiting bodies above and below.

The velvety hairy upper surface joined to wood.

Fruiting bodies can reach in excess of 100mm.

Crinkled, translucent, crowded fruiting bodies.

Auricularia cornea fruiting bodies dry to an almost black
under surface, but will return to cinnamon-brown
when rehydrated by rain.

My sightings of Auricularia cornea

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Singleton, Hunter Valley, NSW - Dying exotic tree, residential garden, all year

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - Dead wood, rainforest

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, HV - Dead wood, woodland

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Edit - an interesting experiment: Following a heavy downpour 14th July 2010, I collected some rehydrated fruit bodies of Auricularia cornea from the tree in my front yard and prepared them for spore prints. I successfully collected excellent spore prints, therefore it is interesting to note that rehydrated fungi (this species, at least), do in fact produce new flushes of spores.

#33 Dermocybe austroveneta

2009-07-14T05:30:00.004+10:00

Green agarics are not common, so Dermocybe austroveneta can often be identified with little trouble.

Dermocybe austroveneta (pronounced Dermo-sigh-be austro-ven-ee-ta) is commonly known as Green skinhead.

The cap of a young Dermocybe austroveneta is yellowish-green to dark green in the centre, slightly greasy when dry, slightly slippery when wet, with an umbo (dome-like swelling in centre of cap) that flattens with age.

A close-up of the young cap shows the cortina (cobwebby veil, or remains thereof) stained rusty-brown from spores.

The cap starts off convex, flattening with age. Gills of varying lengths start off pale yellow, darkening to rusty-brown with age. The central white stem can be up to 100mm tall, tapering slightly upwards. The cobwebby veil and fibrous stem stains rusty-brown from maturing spores.

Pale yellowish gills of a young specimen - note the rusty-brown staining on the fibrous stem

Broad, flat cap of an aging specimen - note the flattened dark green central umbo. The shade of green is variable.

Dermocybe austroveneta grows singly or in groups on the ground amongst leaf litter in Eucalypt forests. According to FungiMap, Dermocybe austroveneta is found in the south east of NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, the south east of South Australia, and the south west of Western Australia.

My sightings of Dermocybe austroveneta

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae, NSW - Jun 2009, Jun 2011

Barrington Tops National Park - Mount Royal, NSW - Jun 2005

Cassilis - Cassilis Rest Area, Hunter Valley, NSW, native woodland, Aug 2010

Brown gills of a mature Dermocybe austroveneta

Notice the slight tapering upwards of the stem.

#32 Ileodictyon gracile

2009-06-29T11:15:00.007+10:00

Ileodictyon gracile (Smooth Cage) is a stinkhorn fungus. There is nothing horn-like in the appearance of this fascinating fungus, rather, it resembles a lattice structure, and is therefore sometimes referred to as Lattice or Basket Stinkhorn Fungus.

With a gentle nudge with the boot, this fungus sprung from its outer skin with the speed and surprise of a Jack-in-the-box - it was an exciting spectacle. I nudged others, but they obviously were not mature, and did not spring open.

An intact Illeodictyon gracile (Smooth Cage)

is made up of polygons resembling a hollow soccer ball

I have had a marvellous time observing these fungi in my garden following recent rain. As soon as I discovered the 'eggs' amongst fallen autumn leaves on my lawn, and felt their rubbery texture, I realised they were a stinkhorn fungus of some sort.

Habitat of Ileodictyon gracile includes mulch and woodchips, on the ground and leaf litter in gardens or on edges of tracks, and in native forests in southern Australia. It grows singly or in groups, and according to Fungimap Australia, is common and widespread.

An 'egg' (unopened sac) of Ileodictyon gracile

- off-white in colour and up to 40mm diameter

A dissected young 'egg' of Ileodictyon gracile

The flat arms broaden out where they join, distinguishing this fungus from the similar Ileodictyon cibarium (Crinkled Cage). The fruit body can apparently be up to 300mm in diameter, with up to 30 meshes formed by a spherical network of linked arms. The cage can become free from the remains of the casing and roll freely along the ground. The width of the arms is up to 5mm.

I unintentionally ran over this stinkhorn egg with

the mower, exposing the folded 'arms'

The spore mass (gleba) is brown and slimy, and forms on the inside of the arms. It smells sour, but not fetid like some other stinkhorn species.

Notice the widening of the arms where they join (an identifying feature). Also notice the remains of the outer skin ('egg') of the fungus on the right. This stinkhorn has been damaged by slugs and rain.

Ileodictyon gracile is reported to be native to Australia, New Zealand, and Chile, and has been introduced in East Africa and Europe.

My sightings of Ileodictyon gracile

[This will be updated with fresh observations]

Singleton (Hunter Valley, NSW) - Urban, on ground under deciduous tree - Jun 2009, Jul 2010, Jul 2011

Jesmond (Hunter Valley, NSW) - Parkland, on woodchipped garden - Jun 2009

Below is a series of photos showing interesting characteristics. An egg of Ileodictyon gracile in my lawn has been invaded by slugs - note, in this image, the slug has its head buried in the fungus . . . . .

. . . . . as slugs have been feeding on this fungus for a week, I presumed the stinkhorn would not reach maturity intact, so I picked it to examine it - note the conical shape . . . . .

. . . . . I carefully peeled the outer skin from the fungus, leaving a solid structure with the feel and consistency of hardened gelatine. When I pulled the outer pieces from the stinkhorn, the imprint of the lattice arms was left (the dark speckles are dirt) . . . . .

. . . . . the Smooth Cage was compacted like tough rubber, and could not be separated without breakage - I presume that as air had reached the fungus via the hole the slugs were feeding through, the fungus has hardened. Note, the brown substance adhered to the inside of the arms is the gleba (spore mass), which had also hardened.

#31 Coprinus comatus

2009-06-22T13:26:00.003+10:00

Coprinus comatus (commonly known as Lawyer's Wig), is from Family Coprinaceae. It is a common fungus found in bare soil, grass and mulch, either singularly or in groups.

A tall cylindrical whitish cap, covered in brown-tipped white scales, sits atop a white, erect, hollow stem up to 150mm high. The cap often widens to bell-shaped with maturity. There is a white, moveable ring low on the stem.

Gills start out cream, turning pale brown, then very quickly blackening, and liquifying to a black slimy patch on the substrate.

A fresh specimen of Coprinus comatus

A close-up showing the shaggy cap and the size

A young buff-coloured specimen with cream gills

The moveable ring

Brown gills turning black from the edge of the cap
(Notice the stem narrows towards the top)

Stage one of liquification - turning up at rim of
cap (notice the small fly that would spread spores)

. . . . . next, the stem may collapse as the cap continues
to liquify . . . . .

. . . . . and liquifies to a black slimy blob . . . . .

. . . . . until all that remains is dismembered stems and a black mess on the substrate (Note: the liquification decomposition is a swift process of only a couple of hours)

My sightings of Coprinus comatus
[This will be updated with more sightings]

Australian Wetlands (Shortland) - Jun 2009

Note: This fungus is reportedly edible before it begins to liquify, but as I am not at all adventurous in cooking and/or eating wild collected fungi, I am unable to testify to its palatability. If readers who have eaten Coprinus comatus would like to leave a comment regarding this, I would be most appreciative.

Here is another of my life-cycle study entries

of a Coprinus species:

Coprinus cinereus

#30 Phallus rubicundus

2008-07-23T08:20:00.001+10:00

This pink, orange or red stinkhorn fungus is shaped like a spike or rod, or as the name indicates, is phallic in shape. It grows to about 150mm high and often pops up in lawns, gardens, potplants or mulch.

The matchbox gives an indication of size

of this collapsed Phallus rubicundus

An orange specimen of Phallus rubicundus

This stinkhorn fungus can be distinguished from Mutinus elegans by having separate head holding the brown spore-bearing matter.

As with all stinkhorn fungi, Phallus rubicundus starts out as a gelatinous egg-like structure from which the fruiting body emerges. The fragile hollow stem is perforated, and if sliced horizontally, will be roughly circular. Somewhat sponge-like in texture, it is soft to the touch and will break easily. More information at Mushroom Expert.

The sponge-like texture

The slimy spore-bearing head is separate from the body -

this is an important identifying feature

The interior is hollow and roughly circular.
Notice the stinkhorn "egg" and thin strands of hyphae

The spore-bearing cap has dislodged and slipped down

My sightings of Phallus rubicundus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae - in mulched gardens, May.

Beresfield Crematorium - in mulched gardens and leaf litter, Dec.

Collapsed and decaying Phallus rubicundus

# 29 Pseudocolus fusiformis

2008-07-22T08:45:00.005+10:00

Stinkhorns are amongst my favourite fungi. Yes, I know they are considered the "ugly ducklings" of the fungi world, but their offensive reputation is simply a magnet to me. I am always delighted to stumble upon these weird fungi forms, sometimes just having to follow my nose in order to locate them.

I believe this stinkhorn to be Pseudocolus fusiformis, commonly known as Stinky Squid Fungus, although I am not definite about my identification. If any fungi experts out there can confirm or deny my identification, I would be most grateful.

Pseudocolus fusiformis

I have found this stinkhorn fungus on two occasions, both in mulch at the Hunter Wetlands at Shortland, Newcastle. It is the foulest smelling stinkhorn species I have encountered, resembling the stench of a blocked or unmaintained septic sewer system. The odour emanated for quite a distance.

Arms of Pseudocolus fusiformis emerging from leaf-litter

When leaf-litter is scraped away the "eggs" can be seen

Like all stinkhorn fungi, Pseudocolus fusiformis starts out as a gelatinous egg-like form buried or semi-buried in the substrate. As it ages, the fruit body emerges from the "egg". Up to 4 arms are joined to a single "stem" and are joined at the apex.

The green/brown or brown slimy spore-bearing gleba is present on the inside surface of the arms. The foul odour attracts flies which distribute the spores.

There is more information on Pseudocolus fusiformis at Mushroom Expert.

Notice the gelatinous substance in the ruptured "egg"

My sightings of Pseudocolus fusiformis

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Wetlands (Shortland, Newcastle) - in mulch or leaf-litter - Jun, Dec.

Arms are joined at apex and gleba is presented

on the inside surface of the arms

#28 Anthracophyllum archeri

2007-11-15T06:14:00.000+11:00

Anthracophyllum archeri, commonly known as Orange Fan, is from family Marasmiaceae, and grows on dead wood in native forests. Pronunciation is Anthrack-oh-fill-um archer-eye. It is a common fungus and can fruit at any time of year.

Caps are shell-shaped or fan-shaped, up to 35mm and are attached laterally to wood, occasionally with a very short stem, but my local observations have noted the absence of a stem. The upper surface of the cap is smooth and radially ridged, tan to light orange.

Smooth ridged upper surface of Orange Fan Fungi

Gills are similar in colour but often darker, widely spaced and fan out in various lengths from the point of attachment. Fungi have a smooth leathery texture.

Orange Fan Fungi are usually seen in large numbers and can be spaced along a stick or log, or crowded forming overlapping clusters. The structure of the fan shape with widely spaced fold-like gills make Anthracophyllum archeri easily distinguished from other fan-like or shell-like fungi.

Orange Fan Fungi occur as many single fruiting bodies.....

.....or crowded overlapping clusters.

My sightings of Anthracophyllum archeri

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park NSW - on dead twigs and logs in rainforest - Mar, Apr, May, Nov.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae NSW - on dead twigs in open eucalypt forest - Nov.

#27 Plectania campylospora

2007-11-02T06:10:00.000+11:00

Although I am reasonably confident with my identification here, I am not 100% sure, so if any readers have informed opinions for or against the identification, I would be grateful to hear of them.

Plectania campylospora, Brown Forest Cup, from family Sarcostomataceae, is found on rotting wood in wet forests.

Fungimap Australia give the size of the 'cup' as "to 80mm wide and 60mm high", but the 6 specimens I have seen have been no more than 20mm wide and high.

Exterior surface of Brown Forest Cup is more black than brown, and has a roughened texture. The interior of the deep cup is smooth and brown, aging to black. The short stem is slightly rough in texture, and can be crinkled as shown in my photos here.

Rough exterior and short crinkly central stem

Although reportedly growing in groups, the specimens of Plectania campylospora that I have found have been growing singly. Its dark colouring and unobtrusive nature makes this cup fungus difficult to spot in the dim light of the rainforest, but it is always a pleasure to find.

Known Australian distribution appears to be south eastern coast and ranges, including Tasmania.

A shallower cup

My sightings of Plectania campylospora

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - on rotting twigs on the rainforest floor - Apr, May, Nov.

New England National Park, NSW - on rotting wood on floor of wet forest - May.

The cup fungus has pushed aside wood as it emerged

#26 Laetiporus portentosus

2007-09-25T07:02:00.001+10:00

The polypore fungus, Laetiporus portentosus, commonly called White Punk, forms large, thick brackets on living Eucalypts. It causes white heart-rot to the host tree. I have seen it adhered to both smooth and rough-barked Eucalypts.

Brackets can reportedly reach 350mm wide, but I have only seen them to about 150mm wide. The upper surface of the fungus has a slightly 'velvety' texture and can be off-white, beige, to a warm 'biscuit' brown colour.

Notice the pock-marked under-surface which is riddled with tiny larvae

The fertile under-surface is covered in very fine pores, and is pale yellow or white when fresh, aging to a dirty white. Certain insect larvae feed on the soft flesh of the White Punk fungus creating a maze of tunnels with the old fruiting body of the fungus resembling a sponge in appearance.

When I first saw the soft white spongy structure attached to the trunk of a eucalyptus tree, I questioned if it could be a lichen. The old grey fruit bodies riddled with tunnels will eventually fall from the tree, sometimes following rain when it would collect water and become heavy.

A close-up of the fine pore surface. I will replace this unsharp image with a clear one if I can get one. The White Punk fungi are often high on tree trunks making close-up images difficult to obtain.

Dry, smouldering brackets were reportedly used by Aborigines to transport fire. Aborigines had many uses for various fungi. Spore print is white, although I have not attempted to obtain a print.

Although my images do not portray an attractive fungus, I have seen images of new Laetiporus portentosus fungi that show a smooth, quite aesthetically pleasing cluster.

White Punk riddled with tunnels and holes

A close up of the soft-textured well-eaten White Punk

As the decayed fungus fruiting body ages further, it can become quite hard and brittle

My sightings of Laetiporus portentosus

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hunter Valley, NSW - on scattered roadside Eucalypts - May, Jun.

Grampians National Park, Vic - on scattered roadside Eucalypts - Sep.

Weetabilla, NSW - on scattered roadside Eucalypts - Jul.

#25 Stereum ostrea

2007-09-21T08:13:00.000+10:00

Stereum ostrea, Golden Curtain Crust, is a leathery shelf fungus belonging to family Stereaceae. Pronunciation Steer-ee-um Austria. This common fungus often makes a spectacular, long-lasting, massed display. It is found in many parts of the world, and internationally it is known as 'False Turkey Tail'.

It is found on dead wood (fallen or standing) in wet native forests, and its Australian distribution includes the eastern coastal and mountainous areas from north Queensland, through NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

Attractive concentric zones and soft leathery texture

Fruiting bodies are broadly attached to the substrate, either singly or often fused laterally forming overlapping rows and commonly colonising whole logs, remaining fresh-looking for months. The thin shelf, fan or funnel-shaped fruit-bodies are only about 2mm thick with concentric (circular) bands or zones of yellow, orange and many shades of brown, usually with a pale wavy margin. Brackets can be up to 100mm, or more, in diameter.

The upper suface of fruit-bodies feels ridged but smooth, and 'velvety' with very short hairs. Stereum ostrea has a smooth underside which distinguishes it from the somewhat similar Trametes versicolor which has pores on the underside. Spore print is white. I have not successfully obtained a spore print of Stereum ostrea.

Fused fruit bodies form overlapping rows of 'shelves'

Smooth but lumpy lower surface of Stereum ostrea can be white, yellow, orange or gold. Illustrated in the image, fruit-bodies can be adhered to the underside of logs with only the fertile underside visible. All fungi surfaces here are the lower surface.

The sun shines through the thin leathery fungi 'fans' and highlights the orange circular bands. Notice the narrow band of cream lining the margin, which is a feature of Stereum ostrea.

My sightings of Stereum ostrea

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - on felled logs in damp forest - Jul, Sep.

A massed display of Stereum ostrea

#24 Coprinellus disseminatus

2007-09-18T07:58:00.000+10:00

Coprinellus disseminatus, or Coprinus disseminatus, is from family Coprinaceae. Typically, fungi from this group have black gills that quickly dissolve or self-digest into an inky black gooey substance (the official mycology term is "deliquesce"), but Coprinus disseminatus does not collapse and auto-digest. This is a useful feature for identification purposes.

I am not aware of any common name for this Coprinus species in Australia, but some common American names are Little Helmet, Fairy Bonnet, Non-inky Coprinus and Crumble Cap.

Tiny white or cream caps are oval when young, expanding up to 12 or 15mm wide to convex (domed) or bell-shape as they grow. With age, caps turn pale grey or beige with a brown or cream centre. Caps are finely grooved from the margin to near the centre and are very fragile, crumbling when handled.

My thumb gives a size comparison to young caps

Stipes (stems) are white, hollow, smooth, and fragile, growing to about 35mm high and only 1 or 2mm in diameter. Gills start out white, aging to light brown then dark brown or blackish-brown. Unlike other Coprinus species that auto-digest, it should be possible to obtain a spore print from Coprinellus disseminatus. Spores are black or blackish-brown.

Coprinus disseminatus are fragile, crumbling when handled

Coprinellus disseminatus grow on decaying wood and often appear on wooden garden edges or stepping blocks. They also sprout from underground decaying roots. I have also seen them growing amongst wood-chip mulch. They will appear in large troops, primarily in autumn and spring.

Coprinellus disseminatus are not restricted to Australia, but I am unsure of their distribution in Australia.

A fresh specimen with hollow stalk

Although not Australian, here is a Coprinus key that could be a useful aid in identifying Coprinus species found in the field. And here is an earlier blog entry detailing another Coprinus species, Coprinus cinereus.

Aging specimens dry out and wither, but do not collapse by auto-digestion like most other Coprinus species

My sightings of Coprinellus disseminatus

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae - on dead wood and wood-chips - May, Sep.

A troop of Coprinellus disseminatus showing colour variation

#23 Bolbitius vitellinus

2007-09-12T11:57:00.000+10:00

Bolbitius vitellinus, Egg-yolk Fieldcap, from family Bolbitiaceae, is commonly found on fertilised lawns and rich organic material. Pronunciation is Boll-bit-ee-uss vit-elle-line-uss.

Appearance can be very variable, but the yellow slimy 'button' emerging is a readily identifiable feature of Egg-yolk Fieldcaps. Young caps can be distinctly bell-shaped, but more often are egg-shaped or round. But yellow caps are always viscid (slimy or sticky).

Caps dry out very quickly, expanding to become broadly convex (domed) or bell-shaped, eventually flattening and fading to off-white or beige. The flattened caps can also exhibit variations, some with a shallow central depression, and some with a slight umbo (domed central swelling).

These cap variations can make identification of mature specimens difficult, but one more feature that is always present and will help identification, is the marginal striations (furrows or lines) on the faded cap. Mature caps will be smooth, dry and shiny, but can vary in size from 15mm to about 50mm.

Egg-yolk Fieldcaps at different stages of maturity: right is a young yellow, slimy, newly emerged convex fungus cap; left is an umbonate cap that has lost its stickiness and most of the yellow colour; and centre is a mature flattened cap showing yellow gills. Notice the fine vertical striations on the rim of the left specimen, and the dry cap edge of the centre sample showing striations - this is an important identifying feature.

Height and thickness of the stalk of Bolbitius vitellinus is also variable, and can range from 30 to 120mm high with a diameter of 3 to 10mm. The stalk is hollow, and both the stalk and the young cap are fragile and will crumble easily if disturbed.

The yellow stalk is distinctively 'powdery' or scaly, and my observations indicate that this scaliness remains as the fungus ages.

Distribution of Bolbitius vitellinus, according to FungiMap of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, includes eastern NSW, eastern and southern Victoria, Tasmania, southeast SA, and SW Western Australia from about Perth to Esperance. The main fruiting period is April to August.

Note that the middle of the three fungi has a slight central depression in the mature cap, and all stages of maturity feature some degree of 'scaliness' on the stem

Gills age from a pretty yellow to a dirty yellow (below). I obtained a rusty-brown or cinnamon-brown spore print.

My sightings of Bolbitius vitellinus, Egg-yolk Fieldcap

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae, on mulched garden - May, Sep.

This image illustrates the variation in size of mature Egg-yolk Fieldcaps with a slender cap 15mm wide with thin stalks up to about 80mm high, while others I saw had larger, thicker caps and were up to 50mm wide with short stumpy stems.

#22 Schizophyllum commune

2007-08-30T20:25:00.004+10:00

Schizophyllum commune has the common name Splitgill, and is from family Schizophyllaceae. Pronunciation is Skitzo-fill-um commune-ay. It is a common fungus with recordings in all states of Australia, and around the world.

Hairy fan-shaped Splitgill fungi attached to fallen twigs

Stalkless fruiting bodies are fan-shaped or of irregular shape, up to 4cm wide, and attached to wood in a similar fashion to leathery shelf fungi. The upper surface is dry, covered in short dense hairs, and can be white, beige, light tan or grey. Caps are soft and pliant, but tough.

The fertile under-surface is composed of beige gill-like 'folds' that are split lengthwise, hense the common name of Splitgill. Spore print is white.

Note the two tiny (7mm) new fruit bodies with inrolled hairy rim and even circular shape. As they mature, the edges will become irregular to form fan or shell shapes.

Schizophyllum commune grows in scattered groups or massed overlapping tiers on dead wood of exotic and native trees and shrubs.

It is important to note that this fungus should not be smelled, as it is possible that Splitgill spores may be pathogenic and cause the disease basidioneuromycosis.

My sightings of Schizophyllum commune

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae - on fallen twigs and branches, Jul, Aug, Oct, Nov, Jul 10, Jun 2011

Barrington Tops National Park - rainforest on fallen twigs, Sep, Nov.

Hunter Valley - on fallen twigs and branches in woodland - Jul, Oct, Nov.

#21 Suillus granulatus

2007-08-07T12:24:00.002+10:00

With the help of other amateur fungi enthusiasts, I have established that the most recognisable physical difference (for amateurs) between Suillus granulatus and Suillus luteus is the absence or presence of a ring or annulus.

In some fungus species a partial veil initially covers the pores or gills. As the fruit body expands and matures, the partial veil usually breaks to form a 'ring' on the stem. Suillus granulatus does not have remnants of a ring, whereas Suillus luteus usually does. This feature makes it a little easier to distinguish between these two boletes that are otherwise very similar in appearance, both of which are from family Suillaceae.

Yellow pores of Suillus granulatus

Suillus granulatus is mychorrhizal with various exotic conifers, meaning that it forms a symbiotic relationship with pines. Both Suillus granulatus and Suillus luteus were introduced to Australia from Europe with exotic trees.

A bolete is a fungus with a cap and stalk that has a series of small pores on the underside of the cap, instead of gills. The pores may be either round or angular. The spores are formed inside the pores and they drop out of the pores when mature.

Pores are the 'mouths' or openings of tubes. A cross-section of a bolete shows the narrow tubes compacted.

Caps of Suillus granulatus are convex (dome-shaped) at first, becoming broardly convex, then flattening, sometimes disfiguring. The cap is viscid (sticky or slimy), although, in my limited experience, not always. There should be no remnants of partial veil on the rim of the cap or on the stem.

Stem is white, speckled with brown, and is not always centrally placed. Pores are yellow, aging to a dull yellow, and flesh is white to pale yellow. Spore print is yellow-brown.

Suillus granulatus stem is sometimes off-centre

Caps can turn up with age

My sightings of Suillus granulatus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Greta, NSW - under exotic pines - Mar, May.

Hanging Rock, NSW - on the edge of pine plantation - Apr.

Suillus granulatus on the edge of pine plantation at Hanging Rock. Note the collapsed fungus (front right) - these boletes, like many, collapse and decay quickly and are often infested with magots.

#20 Suillus luteus

2007-08-07T12:24:00.001+10:00

With the help of other amateur fungi enthusiasts, I have established that the most recognisable physical difference (for amateurs) between Suillus luteus and Suillus granulatus is the presence or absence of a ring or annulus.

In some fungus species a partial veil initially covers the pores or gills. As the fruit body expands and matures, the partial veil usually breaks to form a 'ring' on the stem. Suillus luteus usually has the remnants of the veil hanging on the upper quarter of the stem, while Suillus granulatus does not. This feature makes it a little easier to distinguish between these two boletes that are otherwise very similar in appearance, both of which are from family Suillaceae.

Freshly emerged Suillus luteus have a gelatinous coating

Suillus luteus (commonly called Slippery Jack) is mychorrhizal with various exotic conifers, meaning that it forms a symbiotic relationship with pines. Therefore, people who are fond of eating wild mushrooms can often pick up a feed (yes, they are reported to be edible) amongst, or on the outskirts, of pine plantations. However, I can not vouch for their palatability. Both Suillus luteus and Suillus granulatus were introduced to Australia from Europe with exotic trees.

The partial veil tears away from the cap

Caps are convex (dome-shaped) at first, and very glutinous (jelly-like). They flatten as they mature, reaching a diameter of up to 150mm, and are viscid (sticky or slimy).

Pores are yellow, aging to a dirty yellow. A brown annulus forms on the upper portion of the stem, sometimes falling off leaving a purplish brown band or stain. The white or cream stem (or stipe) is covered in fine brown speckles. Spore print is yellow-brown.

Speckled stem and remnants of a ring

Yellow pores age to a dirty yellow, and flesh is pale yellow

My sightings of Suillus luteus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hanging Rock, NSW - in and around pine plantations - Mar, Apr, May.

Mount Royal National Park - under exotic pines - Jun.

I encountered collectors in pine plantations of Hanging Rock. They sliced the fungi and spread them out to dry.

#19 Omphalina chromacea

2007-07-25T13:26:00.004+10:00

This dainty little yellow fungus is Omphalina chromacea, common name Yellow Navel, from family Tricholomataceae. Pronunciation is Omfa-lee-na crow-may-see-ah.

There is an oddity associated with this species: it grows in conjunction with a mat of green algae on the ground. It is commonly found amongst bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts), or on bare ground, but the alga is always present. It is thought by some mycologists that it is likely Omphalina chromacea may be the fungal component of a lichen (a symbiosis between an alga and a fungus). The alga is most likely Coccomyxa.

Young Omphalina chromacea with down-turned scalloped rim

Caps can be up to 25mm diameter, and start out convex (domed) with wavy or grooved margin, with a central depression. As the fungus matures, the cap flattens and then becomes funnel-shaped.

Gills are decurrent (running partway down the stem), and are yellow. The central stem can be up to 20mm high by 2mm wide. Spore print is white.

Omphalina chromacea is found in native forests in south-eastern and south-western Australia, often on the sides of tracks and banks where there has been disturbance.

Following the June 2007 Hunter Valley floods, I found many groups of Omphalina chromacea in Werakata National Park in the lower Hunter where the ground had been extremely wet. A mat of green algae was surrounding all I observed.

Omphalina chromacea amongst moss

My sightings of Omphalina chromacea

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Werakata National Park, NSW - In and on the edges of Leptospermum and Eucalyptus forest: Jul, Aug, Oct, Jun 2011, Jul 2011.

Cassilis, NSW - Under scattered Eucalypts: Jul.

The green algal mat is very obvious

#18 Aleurina ferruginea

2007-07-20T07:32:00.003+10:00

Aleurina ferruginea is from family Pyronemataceae. It appears to be relatively common in mixed forests following good rain.

Pyronemataceae is a large family of cup, disc or ear shaped fungi. Aleurina ferruginea grow singly or gregariously (scattered, or loose groups). I have found them in two different habitats on different substrate (growing surface). My first sighting of this species was in alpine woodland growing on rotting wood, while my second sighting was in Leptospermum (tea-tree) scrub on clay soil.

Appearing brighter yellow than in situ due to use of flash

The shallow discs I have seen were up to 15mm wide and up to about 6mm deep. The yellowish outer surface was finely velvety with tiny brownish 'warts'. The inner surface was greenish-yellow and smooth.

On rotting wood in New England National Park

My sightings of Aleurina ferruginea

[This will be updated with new sightings]

New England National Park, NSW - on rotting fallen wood in alpine eucalypt and grass woodland - May 2007.

Werakata National Park, Cessnock, NSW - on soil in Leptospermum scrub - Jul 2007, July 2010.

Brunkerville (via Cessnock) NSW - on damp soil Jun 2010, Aug 2010, May 2011.

On soil in Leptospermum scrub

#16 Polyporus arcularius

2007-06-12T17:13:00.004+10:00

Being cream to light brown in colour, this fungus can be somewhat inconspicuous, but it features some interesting characteristics, most notably the fertile under-surface. The white to cream pores are 'coffin'-shaped, increasing in size from the rim to the centre. Pore shape, along with other features, makes Polyporus arcularius reasonably easy to identify. Sore print is white.

Scaley, but smooth cap surface with central depression

Caps with a diameter more than 100mm have been reported, but the specimens I have found have not exceeded 60mm, and have more commonly been between 30mm and 50mm. The light brown cap is scaley but smooth to touch, with a central depression. This depression can range from a dimple to a shallow 'funnel'.

The cap margin is lined with fine white 'hairs', which is another identifying feature of Polyporus arcularius. Flesh is tough, white and very thin.

Notice the way in which the pores meet the stem. This attachment is described as sinuate or decurrent.

The stem is central, light to dark brown, smooth, but often with darker brown scales or blotches. Polyporus arcularius fruiting bodies are found on dead wood (native and exotic) in a variety of habitats from rainforest and woodland, to paddocks and urban areas. I am unsure as to its distribution in Australia.

Smooth concentric (in rings) scales, and 'hairy' margin

My sightings of Polyporus arcularius

[This with be updated with further sightings]

Hunter Valley, NSW - Unimproved grazing paddock on fallen timber - Nov.

Hunter Valley, NSW - Woodland on fallen timber - Nov.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae - Woodland and grassed areas on fallen timber - Nov.

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - Rainforest floor on fallen timber - Mar, Apr, Nov.

Hanging Rock, NSW - Pine plantation on fallen timber - Apr.

Pilliga Forests, NW NSW - mixed native forests Nov 2010

Baradine, NSW - residential area, stump Jun 2010

Freeman's Waterhole, NSW - mixed forest May 2011

Notice the inrolled edge of the juvenile fruiting body in the background.

#17 Nidula emodensis

2007-06-12T17:13:00.003+10:00

From appearance only, I have tentatively identified this tiny Birds Nest Fungi as Nidula emodensis. Birds Nest Fungi are cup-like structures that break open to reveal tiny packages called peridioles that contain reproductive spores. Drops of rain land in the 'nest', displacing the peridioles. My Fungi Blog entry #3 Cyathus stercoreus describes this facinating process in more detail providing links to more information.

I have been unable to find much information on Nidula emodensis in addition to my observations, but will add to this entry if I do.

Nidula emodensis with tiny brown peridioles

The fungi were up to 6mm in diameter, with cream 'shaggy' exterior and smooth, ungrooved pale orange-brown interior. A juvenile fungus in images 1 and 3 appears to be shedding an orange-brown 'cap'. The smooth brown peridioles were less than 1mm in size, and the three specimens were growing on a dead twig.

My sightings of Nidula emodensis

[This will be updated with more sightings]

New England National Park, NSW - In alpine woodland on a dead twig - May 07.

A young specimen shedding its cap, an empty fungus, and a fungus containing smooth brown peridioles (spore-bearing capsules)

#14 Omphalotus nidiformis

2007-05-22T06:16:00.005+10:00

Omphalotus nidiformis, Ghost Fungus, belongs to the family Marasmiaceae. Pronunciation Omfa-lotus nidee-form-iss. This is Australia's most well-known luminous (glow-in-the-dark) fungus, but not only does it make a spectacle at night, it also makes a lovely show by day.

A newly emerged Omphalotus nidiformis fruiting body

Developing quickly to form a 'funnel' in the cap

Losing orange colouration in cap and gills as it matures

These funnel-shaped fungi flatten out with age and can reach a diameter of 200mm. They are found on living and dead wood, both native and exotic, and can often be found in gardens and parks. If sprouting from the ground, there will be wood below the ground surface. The colour of the cap can vary from white or cream with blue and black centre and yellow tinges, to tones of purple and pink.

Gills are deeply decurrent (extending down the stem), are cream to white, and various lengths. Spore print is white. The stem can be central, off-centre or even lateral (attached at side), dry and up to 80mm in height or very stout.

Ghost Fungi can grow singly or in extensive overlapping clusters. Luminescence is due to a chemical reaction between fungal enzymes and oxygen. The soft lime-green glow is an amazing sight in natural surroundings at night.

Distribution has been recorded as south-east Queensland, eastern NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, south-eastern SA, and south-western WA.

Omphalotus nidiformis (Ghost Fungus) is highly poisonous.

Illustrating the wide variation in colour of caps

My sightings of Omphalotus nidiformis

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park, Hunter Valley, NSW - Rainforest: Feb, Apr.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW - on dead timber and on lawn: Apr, May, jul.

Hanging Rock, NSW - on dead pine stumps: Mar, Apr, May.

Brunkerville, NSW - on dead stumps May 2011, Jun 2011

Omphalotus nidiformis on dead banksia

#15 Lactarius deliciosus

2007-05-22T06:16:00.002+10:00

Lactarius deliciosus, Saffron Milk Cap, belongs to the family Russulaceae. Lactarius species exude latex (milky fluid) when cut. When cut, the latex stains the brittle flesh bright orange. This is an introduced species that forms a mycorrizal association (symbiotic fungal dependency) with introduced pines.

Orange gills and blotched stem of young specimen

The cap is convex (rounded or domed) at first, with a central depression, becoming broadly funnel-shaped. Surface texture is smooh and dry, but is often viscid (slimy) when wet. Spore print is pale yellow, and cap can reach 160mm diameter.

When young, the cap is carrot-orange or sometimes a dull apricot colour, and can have concentric (circular) zones of colour. Caps and stalks become a dull greenish colour when aged or bruised.

A cut fungus displays the cut surface stained bright orange

Gills are orange at first, bruising greenish with age, decurrent (running down the stem), and various lengths. The stem is stout and up to 70mm in height, blotched orange when young, often becoming greenish with age.

This species is reported to be edible with the correct preparation, but I can not vouch for its palatability. I am unsure as to the distribution of Lactarius deliciosus.

Illustrating the sometimes apricot cap and circles of colour

My sightings of Lactarius deliciosus

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hanging Rock, New England region of NSW - in and near pine plantations: Mar, Apr, May.

An aged specimen with a matchbox for size comparison

#13 Calvatia cyathiformis

2007-05-15T19:13:00.003+10:00

Calvatia cyathiformis, commonly called the Purple-spored Puffball, is from family Lycoperdaceae. It is a terrestrial puffball, relatively smooth and spherical or slightly flattened when young, often becoming pear-shaped or irregularly shaped as it matures.

It can be distinguished from other large Lycoperdales by its purple-brown spores. This puffball is reported to be edible when the gleba (spore bearing interior) is immature and white with the consistency of firm marshmallows.

The cracked exterior layer sheds to reveal spores

The skin of the fungus dries and darkens, and cracks with age, sometimes resembling a tesselated pattern (as shown in the previous image). The fleshy spore-bearing mass begins to turn purple-brown, breaks away and is distributed by wind and rain.

When the spores are completely dispersed, a soft leathery cup-shaped sterile base lightly rooted to the ground remains.

I have closely observed the growth and breakdown of a Purple-spored Puffball growing in a grazing paddock. These details can be veiwed at my Nature Blog.

The purple-brown spore mass is exposed

This is a common puffball in grazing paddocks and grassed areas in the Hunter Valley rural district in which I live. I am unaware, at this time, of its complete distribution.

This specimen has a stout base resembling a stalk

My sightings of Calvatia cyathiformis

[This will be updated with future sightings]

Hunter Valley, NSW - unimproved grazing paddocks: Nov, Dec, Jan.

Merriwindi State Conservation Area - (Baradine, NW NSW) - compacted sandy soil: Jun, Jul.

Macquarie Marshes district (NW NSW) - grazing paddock following rain: Jul.

Irregular shapes of Calvatia cyathisformis

#12 Aseroe rubra

2007-05-15T08:18:00.004+10:00

Aseroe rubra, commonly called Anemone Stinkhorn or Starfish Fungus, is from family Phallaceae. Pronunciation Ass-er-row-ee roo-bra.

Stinkhorns are short-lived fungi rising from gelatinous egg-like sacs, and upon maturity, produce a sticky spore-bearing substance with a foul smell that attracts flies. The flies injest and trample the spores, therefore distributing them further afield providing a means of starting new fungi colonies.

Aseroe rubra with two unruptured egg-like sacs

Aseroe rubra grows in high altitude grasslands and woodlands, and is also often seen in gardens and woodchips. According to Fungimap Australia, its distribution includes southeastern Qld, eastern NSW, eastern Vic, Tasmania, and southeastern SA.

The red arms that are split at the tip, emerge from a gelatinous dirty-white egg-like sac up to 30mm diameter. The hollow stem of the fruiting body can reach 100mm, or can be ground-hugging. There are between 6 and 9 pairs of 'arms'.

If an egg-like sac is dissected, it contains a fully formed compressed fruiting body.

There are more pictures of Aseroe rubra and other stinkhorn fungi on my Nature Blog.

A wrinkled arm emerging from gelatinous sac

The ragged cup-like volva forms from the 'egg'

My sightings of Aseroe rubra

[This will be updated with future sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park - rainforest on Gloucester Tops: Jan, Mar.

New England National Park - alpine grassland: May.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae, NSW - in mulched gardens: Feb, Apr, May, Jul, Aug, Oct, Jun 2011

Brunkerville, NSW - on natural leaf litter in mixed forest, Jun 2011.

#11 Dermocybe splendida

2007-05-15T08:16:00.000+10:00

Dermocybe splendida has the common name of Splendid Red Skinhead, and is from family Cortinariaceae. Pronunciation is Dermo-sigh-be splendid-da.

The Cortinariaceae group of fungi are typically recognised by the presence of a 'cortina'. The cortina is a veil of silky or cobwebby fibrous threads which protects the gills of a young mushroom. The veil collapses as the cap opens in most cases, often leaving hairs on the stem which then stain brown from the spores.

Young Dermocybe splendida with veil covering gills

In the image below, the fibrous veil has been stretched as the cap expands. And in the image below this, the cobwebby strands have almost completely separated from the cap.

The cortina (fibrous veil) tearing as the cap expands

And the veil is almost completely separated from cap

This attractive fungus grows in soil in Eucalyptus and Leptospermum (tea-tree) forests in eastern NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, south-eastern SA, and south-western WA.

Orange-red caps are initially convex (domed), expanding up to 90mm into a broadly umbonate red-brown cap. An 'umbo' is a dome-like swelling in the centre of the cap. A slight umbo can be seen in the fungus on the right of the first photograph. The cap is dry and smooth. This fungus can be found singly, or in small or large groups.

The stem can reach 130mm in height, tapering upwards, and can be bulbous at the base. The tapering of the stalk is evident in the following image, and a bulbous base can be seen in the previous picture.

Two distinguishing features are the bright paprika-red gills, and the yellowish base of the brown-red stem and yellow mycelium. The mycelium is a mass of underground filaments (hyphae) which are often visible at the base of the fungus. The yellow mycelium is noticable in the foreground of the next image.

A dusting of rust-brown spores can be seen on caps in the following picture. This is a common occurence amongst Cortinariaceae as spores drop from overhanging fungi. The red gills stain brown as the cap ages.

Young and mature Splendid Red Skinheads

My sightings of Dermocybe splendida

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Hanging Rock, NSW - Eucalyptus woodland with tussock grass - Jun.

Barrington Tops National Park, NSW - Rainforest, in leaf litter - Apr.

New England National Park, NSW - Eucalyptus woodland with tussock grass - May.

#10 Xerula australis

2007-04-24T08:21:00.008+10:00

Xerula australis, until recently was known as Oudemansiella radicata var. australis, and is still referred to as being part of the Oudemansiella 'group'. Its common name is Rooting Shank, which refers to the underground tapering root-like extension of the stem. Pronunciation is Zer-rule-ah austrah-liss.

A young specimen showing height comparison

The matchbox in the previous image gives an indication of the height of this fungus. I have seen mature specimens to about 280mm high.

The new cap is mid to dark brown, viscid (slimy) and broadly convex (domed). The cap flattens and dries with age to a grey-brown, often with wrinkles and/or dimples, and can reach a diameter of about 80mm. Dimples are evident in the first image.

An aging cap with a darker, very slight umbo (swelling at the centre of the cap)

Gills are white, various lengths, deep and widely spaced. The white gills contrast vividly with the brown cap making this a striking fungus. Spore print is white.

Another striking feature of this fungus is the height of the stalk, often standing tall above surrounding grasses. The stalk is dry and covered in short hairs giving a 'velvety' appearance. I have noticed the stalk of some mature specimens appears to have a vertical 'seam'

A mature Xerula australis (right) together with an aged and a collapsed specimen, all fruiting from dead wood.

An aging cap turning up into a distorted shape, and displaying wide-set white gills.

Xerula australis is a common fungus that grows in native forests, grasslands and parks. It grows solitary or in small groups, and is usually attached to underground wood. According to Fungimap Australia of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, its distribution includes eastern NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, south-eastern SA, and south-western and the central coast of southern WA.

Shiny cap of an immature specimen

My sightings of Xerula australis

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park - rainforest, dead wood: Mar, Apr.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (Heatherbrae) - grass and sand: Apr, May, Jul 10.

Singleton, Hunter Valley - mulched public garden and unmulched residential garden: Jul 10.

Coonabarabran, NSW - Native woodland, leaf litter: Aug 10.

Brunkerville, NSW - mixed forest May 2011, Jun 2011.

#9 Strobilomyces sp

2007-04-24T08:21:00.001+10:00

This interesting fungus from family Boletaceae is a Strobilomyces species, most probably Strobilomyces floccopus. It is sometimes referred to as The Old Man of the Forest. Boletes produce their spores in pores (instead of gills) which are tubes forming a honeycomb surface of holes on the underside of the fungus.

White pores and inturned margin of the 4cm cap

I have only found two specimens, both in rainforest, one growing on a dead log, the other in soil. The cap is convex with an inturned margin which can hold remnants of a partial veil, and is covered in dense woolly purple/black scales over white. The cap can be up to 110mm, but I have only seen it up to 40mm.

Pores are white, darkening with age, and staining orange/brown when bruised, eventually turning black. The stem is purplish, shaggy and reticulate (raised ridges). The solid white flesh of the stalk and cap also turn orange, then black, when cut.

Pores attach to the stem in a sinuate fashion

Short shaggy scales of the cap

I have not taken a spore print, but it is recorded that the spores are blackish brown. Here is a site with additional information on this species along with the only species it is likely to be confused with, Strobilomyces confusus.

The white pores have turned black, the white flesh orange before blackening.

My sightings of Strobilomyces floccopus

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park NSW - singly and solitary on dead wood and soil - Apr.

A young Strobilomyces floccopus wet from rain

#7 Amauroderma rude

2007-04-17T18:23:00.005+10:00

Amauroderma rude is a fungus with a fascinating feature - its white pores turn bright rusty-red upon touch, making it an easy fungus to identify.

Amauroderma rude, common name Red-staining Stalked Polypore, is from the family Ganodermataceae. Pronunciation: Amour-oh-der-ma rue-day. It appears to be a common fungus in small numbers in the rainforests of the southern section of Barrington Tops National Park where I go fungus hunting.

According to Fungimap of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the distribution of the Red-staining Stalked Polypore includes southeastern Queensland, eastern NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and southeastern South Australia.

A young Red-staining Stalked Polypore which appears to be 'sweating'. Also notice how a twig has been embedded in the fungus as it grew. This fungus also appears to be infected by another fungus or slime mould.

Pores are small (1 to 4 pores per millimetre)

Cap is flattened with a central depression, is woody, has concentric zones of varying shades of brown or orange-brown, and is usually slightly velvety. I have seen caps up to 130mm diameter.

The stem is brown, irregularly shaped, tough and woody. I have seen stems up to about 120mm high, but apparently they can reach 160mm in height.

A close up of pores of Amauroderma rude

As is indicated by the common name of Red-staining Stalked Polypore, the white pores stain bright rusty-red upon touch. Even a gentle touch as in the image above, will stain the pores immediately. With time, the staining will turn almost black.

A 130mm specimen with red bruising turning blackish

Amauroderma rude grows singly or in small groups on rotting timber in damp forests, is long-lasting and turns black with age.

Hard, rough, brown cap with concentric zones

My sightings of Amauroderma rude

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park - rainforest, on fallen rotting logs - Apr.

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae, NSW - mulched garden - Jul.

Brunkerville, NSW - on buried wood, mixed forest Jun 2011.

Notice the irregular, knobbly, velvety stems, and 'wavy' perimeter of the cap

#8 Pseudohydnum gelatinosum

2007-04-17T18:23:00.003+10:00

Jelly fungi are intriguing growths. You need to have a keen eye and make a close inspection of most fungi to really appreciate their intricate beauty and marvelous structure.

Pseudohydnum gelatinosum, Toothed Jelly Fungus, family Exidiaceae, is a beautiful thing. Pronunciation: Sue-doh-hid-numb gelat-in-oh-sum. They are found on rotting wood or living trees in wet forests in southeast Queensland, eastern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.

Toothed Jelly Fungi 30mm wide.

Fruiting bodies are usually tongue or fan-shaped, grey to brown, and quiver when touched. The upper surface of the young fungus has a texture similar to a tongue, becoming gelatinous (slimy) with age. I have seen Toothed Jelly fungi up to 80mm wide.

The lower surface is covered in white pointed tooth-like projections up to a couple of millimetres long. If a stem is present, it will be short and wide.

A close-up of the fertile underside of the fungus

Stumpy stalk and tongue-shaped grey cap

Toothed Jelly Fungi grow singly or in overlapping clusters. The upper and lower surface is soft to the touch which distinguishes it from other grey or brown shelf fungi that have firm spines. As they age, they collapse into a brown glutinous blob, as shown in the image below.

An aging Toothed Jelly (left) will collapse into jelly-like blob (right)

My sightings of Pseudohydnum gelatinosum

[This will be updated with more sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park - on discarded rotting milled timber on rainforest floor - Apr, Jun.

An elegant fungus

#6 Coprinus cinereus

2007-03-20T06:18:00.001+11:00

During the warmer months of 2004 and 2005 this fungus made frequent appearances in my lawn within a confined area of 3 square metres. I have not seen it elsewhere, or since 2005.

Several species of Coprinus occur in Australia. Most coprinus are collectively commonly known as Ink Caps because as the fruitbodies mature they auto-digest from the edge of the cap inwards, dripping a black fluid containing the spores. Most Coprinus are very short lived.

A newly emerged Coprinus cinereus

All Coprinus cinereus that I observed, emerged from lawn or soil after dark and had collapsed and virtually disappeared by mid morning the following day, therefore having a lifespan of between 12 and 15 hours. The image above was taken at night.

In the image above and the one below, you can see the scattered shaggy remnants of a white veil on the cap. The cap is pale grey, is thin and fragile with white flesh, and is up to 30mm in diameter.

The mature umbrella-like cap (note the collapsed Coprinus cinereus beside the new fungus)

The stipe (stem) is white, has soft white scales, is hollow, thin and fragile, and the specimens I have seen have been up to about 90mm tall.

The umbrella-shaped cap will split vertically and begin its auto-digestion process by curling up at the edge. In a very short time, the cap will be reduced to a curled-up black sloppy blob, with the stalk sagging and collapsing.

Here is a web site listing Coprinus species from around the world, together with photographs and identification keys.

The cap splits and the stalk begins to sag

The cap rolls up and the stem sags further

The cap rolls up and liquifies as it self-digests

My sightings of Coprinus cinereus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Valley NSW - in soil or lawn in my backyard - single fungi or small loose groups Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May.

C. cinereus appearing to 'melt' as it self-digests

#5 Gymnopilus junonius

2007-03-20T06:01:00.000+11:00

Gymnopilus junonius, common name Spectacular Rustgill, of family Cortinariaceae, grows on dead wood of a variety of trees (formerly known as Gymnopilus pampeanus). The two examples that I am featuring here were growing at the base of an introduced conifer. Pronunciation: Jim-no-pie-luss jew-known-ee-us.

Caps are golden-brown to orange, convex but flattening with age, dry, and usually covered with fine scales (fibrillose-scaly texture evident in top image). Caps can reach 150mm diameter but caps in these photographs do not exceed 70mm.

partial veil beginning to tear

An initial partial veil tears, folds back forming an immovable ring which all but disappears with age. The crowded gills are pale creamy-yellow becoming rusty-brown with age. Spore print is rusty-brown.

Stems are central and can reach a height of 110mm. The base of stems can be distorted due to crowding of large clumps of fungi.

Distribution: According to Fungimap of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Gymnopilus junonius has been recorded in southeastern NSW, Victoria, and southeastern South Australia.

Partial veil has completely separated from cap

Mature fungus with remains of ring close to cap

My sightings of Gymnopilus junonius

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Greta (Hunter Valley), NSW - At the base of introduced conifers on the New England Highway roadside - May, Oct.

Mature specimens that are more orange than brown

#4 Calostoma fuscum

2007-03-13T17:15:00.001+11:00

Calostoma fuscum is a stalked puffball from family Sclerodermataceae. It's common name is Common Prettymouth. This unusual and ornamental puffball is found on the ground amongst leaf litter in moist forests, or sometimes emerging from steep earthen banks.

I have encountered these fungi occupying the exact spot by the Williams River in Barrington Tops World Heritage rainforest over several years. They are long lasting, but once any orange colouration darkens to blackish-brown, they are well camouflaged on the forest floor.

The cap falls from the mature puffball

The stalk, which I have observed growing to a height of about 80mm, is composed of tough, gelatinous, interwoven strands which can be orange, aging to brown or black. The 15 to 20mm wide stalk is topped with a round head covered with a warty semi-circular cap, or lid, which falls off as the fungus matures.

An orange star-shaped mouth (or stoma) covers a hole in the apex of the head, allowing the white spores to be released when gentle pressure is applied by passing animals or moving vegetation. In the image below, you can see that there are indentations in the head of the fungus below the stoma providing exits for the spores to be dispersed in several directions.

The bright orange mouth, or stoma, of C. fuscum

In the picture below, you can see that the star-shaped mouth sits raised to allow escape routes for the spores. The discarded cap has a smooth interior with an imprint of the mouth. The cap falls off in one piece.

I am unsure of the distribution of Calostoma fuscum, but the Fungi Map project of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne shows it to have been recorded in eastern NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Adelaide district of SA.

Calostoma fuscum on a steep earthen embankment

My sightings of Calostoma fuscum

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops NP NSW - On the rainforest floor in soil, flanking the Williams River - Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jul, Sep, Nov.

New England NP NSW - On steep, damp clay bank - May.

A cluster of Calostoma fuscum, caps discarded

#3 Cyathus stercoreus

2007-03-13T06:52:00.002+11:00

Cyathus stercoreus are Birds Nest Fungi belonging to the family Nidulariaceae. The small cup-shaped light-brown fungi are shaggy when young, losing some of the woolly texture as they mature, and typically grow on herbivore dung or manure enriched soil. The specimens I have seen have been up to approximately 6mm wide at the top by 10mm high. I have observed them growing singly, in loose groups and in tight clusters.

As the fungus matures, the flat top splits and peels to reveal smooth, grey, flattened and roughly circular packages which contain the spores. These packages are called peridioles, and somewhat resemble eggs in a nest, hence the common name of Birds Nest Fungi.

Mature Cyathus stercoreus, growing in manure enriched soil in my garden, have split to expose peridioles

An important identifying feature of Cyathus stercoreus, is the smooth non-grooved inner walls of the fungus. Some other species of Birds Nest Fungi also have dark peridioles, but have a grooved or furrowed inside surface.

Raindrops displace and scatter the peridioles, which then can be injested by herbivores without harm to the spores. Once passing through the animal, the spores then have a fertile growing pad in their new dung substrate. As far as I am aware at this stage, the peridioles can also decay due to weather, and release the spores, but I am looking for more information on this.

But herbivores, like cattle, are particular about their eating habits and will usually not consume grass immediately next to a cow pie, so the peridioles must be flung a reasonable distance by the action of rain. Upon close inspection, each peridiole has a tiny 'button' on the underside. As the peridiole is ejected, it has enough momentum to uncoil a sticky 'string' from the before-mentioned button, flying through the air and sticking to vegetation it comes in contact with. There is easy-to-understand reading and diagrams on this interesting ejection proceedure here.

And here is a key for Birds Nest Fungi. It is not Australian, but I keyed out Cyathus stercoreus and arrived at the right species. Cyathus stercoreus is found in many parts of the world, but I am not sure how widely it is distributed throughout Australia.

A mature Cyathus stercoreus fungus splits

My sightings of Cyathus stercoreus

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Hunter Valley NSW - On aged cow dung - Nov, Dec, Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug.

Hunter Valley NSW - In organicaly-enriched soil in my garden - Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug.

Hunter Valley NSW - On bark mulch that has not be enriched with compost or manure - Apr.

Baradine (NW NSW) - On aged cow dung - Jul.

Macquarie Marshes district (NW NSW) - On aged cow dung - Jul.

Fungus, on cow manure, on the right displaying neatly packed peridioles

Aged and out-of-shape cluster of Cyathus stercoreus in my garden

#2 Cyptotrama aspratum

2007-03-08T08:57:00.001+11:00

Cyptotrama aspratum (common name - Gold Tufts), family Marasmiaceae, is a small delicate agaric growing on dead wood in moist forests. It is distinctive with it's yellow cap covered in pointed fibrillose scales when young, which fall off as the cap expands and flattens with age.

Gills are white and rather widely spaced. Spore print white (I have not obtained a spore print). Stem is white with a yellow tinge, darker at the base, and is warty. It grows singly or in small groups.

Distribution - as far as I am aware, distribution is limited to SE Qld, eastern NSW, SE Vic, Tas, and SE South Australia.

A young specimen 12mm high x 8mm wide

My sightings of Cyptotrama aspratum

[This will be updated with new sightings]

Barrington Tops National Park NSW - Rainforest flanking Williams River on dead wood: Mar 2003, Feb 2005.

Brunkerville, NSW - on dead wood in wet native forest, May 2011, Jun 2011.

Tiny 2 to 3mm spikey buttons are newly emerging Cyptotrama aspratum on dead wood beside a maturing specimen

The flattened mature cap has lost its conical tufts

White, rather distant, gills of a mature specimen

#1 Introduction

2007-03-08T08:52:00.000+11:00

My love of the outdoors and camping has always provided me with opportunities for experiencing and exploring nature, but only in recent years have I developed a fascination for the details of fungi and their intriguing lives.

What are fungi?

The 'mushroom' or 'toadstool' that we see in the field, garden or natural environment is referred to as the fruiting body, and is only a small portion of the fungus.

The main, and mostly unseen part of the fungus, is made up of microscopic threads (called hyphae), which weave their way through the soil, wood or other dead or living organisms. A mass of hyphae is called a mycelium.

It is these unseen creeping microscopic threads that are the earth's main recycling agents, decomposing dead plant material and returning nutrients to the soil. When conditions are favourable, a mycelium may send out a reproductive organ, which is the fungus fruiting body that we see and admire.

The kingdom of fungi

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 parisites 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.

Navigating my blog

I have linked several internet sites on the right-hand column of my blog home page for detailed fungi reading. Also on the right-hand column, I will list fungus blog entries by colour, for quick searching. Below that, I have divided fungus entries into loose groups.

If readers have any other suggestions for easier navigation or appropriate presentation, I will welcome ideas.

I am not a mycologist, but rather, an enthusiastic amateur. I do not have expertise or specialised equipment for studying fungi, therefore my identifications are often not confirmed. If readers think I have made a mistake, please let me know.

I hope, in time, this blog will form a useful reference for others interested in fungi.