Some recent fungi finds

‘Tis the time for fungi.

Here’s a few I have found on some recent walks. I do not guarantee the identifications. I always find fungi hard to ID, even down to what families they belong sometimes. The fruiting bodies can appear very different as they degenerate. Many different species can appear very similar. I gave up long ago with the Mycenas. Happy for anyone to suggest otherwise to my efforts…

Stereum Ostrea - Golden Curtain Crust

This large, oyster-like, orange fungus grows on old logs and branches. There are some spots in Uralla Reserve at Trafalgar where this stunning, photogenic species is quite abundant.

Armilaria sp (luteobubalina?) - Honey Fungus

Armilaria grows on the wood of living trees and is an aggressive plant parasite. Often seen growing on lawns and nature strips and garden mulch (this image was taken in McGlone Rd Drouin), the fungus will be in association with the roots of a nearby tree or shrub.

Pycnoporus coccineus - Scarlet Bracket

This small, common orange bracket is found growing on dead branches on the ground. Turn it over to see the stunning scarlet red underside of tiny pores. Scarlet Brackets are not hard to find in our district – this one was at Rokeby Crossover Regional Park.

Clavaria amoena - Yellow Club (or Yellow Coral)

Often seen growing in moss beds where the yellow contrasts brilliantly with the green. It grows in the soil. This one at Uralla was barely 3-4cm tall but it can reach 10cm at times.

Boletellus obscurecoccineus – Rhubarb Bolete

This Bolete is not particularly common and so is always a delight to come across, usually in a eucalypt woodland. This was at Edward Hunter Reserve in Moe recently.

The variety of fungi is astounding…

Just need to live a little longer!