Fungal Foray

 Now is the best time of year to find Fungi in the wild.  They are everywhere and in many forms.  Over the past few days I have taken these photographs of seasonal fruiting bodies.

 This is the Shaggy Ink Cap, or Lawyner's wig, Coprinus comatus.  It is an edible fungus, but should not be confused with the Common Ink Cap which is potentially toxic.

Mycena viscosa is a common fungus on rotting wood.  There are lots of fungi that look similar to this type.

This one is a challenge to identify.  It is a species of Hypholoma, but I cannot match it and it seems similar to Hy. radicosum or Hy. ericaeoides. The main problem is that the cap has faded in the sunlight and is becoming dehydrated.

Coprinus micaceus is a common fungus related to the Shaggy Ink Cap. This species is often found around wood margins.

This is one of many Stags Horn fungi, Xylaria hypoxylon.  These fungi are very common in woodland and can occupy large areas or appear as single fruiting bodies.

Unrelated is the Orange Antler fungus, Colocera viscosa. This is also common in the UK.

I think this is a mass of Brown Roll-rim fungus, Paxillus involutus. If it is, this fungus is quite toxic when eaten raw - one to strictly avoid.

Now this fruiting body keys out as Tricoloma auratum, which is a non-native species in the UK. This is probably an incorrect identification and whereas, T. auratum is a good edible fungus, I would not consider this a wise move when it is so far out of its native habitat.

Of course, everyone wants to find the Fly Agaric, Amanita muscaria. This is the most photogenic of the Toxic Fungi.

I have noticed over the years that wherever I find fungi, I find fungi that have been knocked over or damaged by people, close to paths. All fungi are useful in nature and I cannot understand why people damage the fruiting bodies and leave them on the ground.  It cannot be related to toxic fears as the toxins are left there.  It also bothers me that edible specimens are also smashed up and that seems such a waste.

Fungi are good (and Fun!) so lets enjoy the experience in nature when they reproduce.