The second in our series of blogs on our fascinating fungi.
With thousands of species of fungi in the UK there is a huge variety of weird and wonderful shapes and whilst there are of course plenty of ‘little brown jobs’ (as there are whatever branch of wildlife you specialise in) you really can find a fungi for every colour of the rainbow.
We’ll begin with red and the classic fairy tale fungi – Fly Agaric – whose glossy crimson cap bears white wart-like spots and is perhaps the most recognised toadstool in Britain. Despite the illustrations for fairy stories I have never yet found one of these with a toad, gnome or fairy perched on top of the cap! It is closely related to the Death Cap and the Destroying Angel, both of which can be fatal if eaten, however this fungus is more likely to cause sickness and hallucinations.
Fly agaric
Next comes the bright yellow bracket fungus ‘Chicken of the Woods’ which develops as overlapping shelf like ‘brackets’ mainly on oak trees. Apparently, one was found in the New Forest weighing in in excess of 45 kg. Given that this is an edible fungus (said to resemble that taste and texture of chicken) that would have made for quite a feast. You should always take great care if foraging for fungi – this one can cause nasty stomach upsets in some people.
Pretty in pink we have ‘The Flirt’, more formally known as the Bare-toothed Brittlegill. The pale pink cap does not quite cover the flesh and gills. Some people say she is showing her petticoats – hence ‘the flirt’.
Next up is Green Elf Cup – such a perfect name! Tiny green cups adorn chunks of green-stained deadwood. Woodworkers have prized the stained wood for centuries. 14th and 15th century Renaissance Italian craftsmen used the wood to provide the green colours in their intricate inlaid designs. More locally, in the 18th century, woodworkers Tunbridge Wells started using the green-stained wood to form highly detailed pictures of animals, flowers, local landscapes, and geometric designs, which were often inset into the lids of small wooden boxes. These antiques are called "Tunbridge ware" and are very valuable today.
Green elf cup Photo by Jim Langiewicz
Representing purple is the glorious Amethyst Deceiver. This beautiful purple mushroom can be found amongst the leaf litter. It’s edible and apparently very tasty – I have a recipe for omelette featuring amethyst deceivers – but I’ve not been brave enough to try it yet. You’ll often find with the edible mushrooms that there is something very similar looking that is rather poisonous, or that the slugs get there before you!
There are several options for orange; Orange Peel fungus, the delicate Galerina or Moss Cap fungi. But I’m going to introduce you to the Hairy Curtain Crust. This fungus forms tough, leathery brackets. The margins are wavy and lobed and the surface hairy. Look on any stumps, logs or fallen branches. This is one of the most commonly recorded fungi in Britain.
Orange peel fungus by Jim Langiewicz
Blue is a little tricky but look closely amongst the moss growing on old tree trunks and you could spot the tiny blue-grey bonnet fungi Mycena pseudocorticola. A perfectly formed, delicate grooved cap on a fine stem. This one is rather rare, although on some years we find troops of them covering the moss-covered branches of oaks and willows on the wooded heathland. Sadly, no one has yet seen fit to give it a common name.
Mycena pesudocorticola
Start getting to know your fungi and as well as a multitude of colours you’ll discover some fantastic names - Plums & Custard, Ballerina Waxcaps and Skullcap Dapperlings – too. There is so much to discover when you start to look a little more closely so if you’re fascinated by fungi follow our self-led fungi trail and find your own rainbow. Download our ‘Fungi Top 21’ ready for your walk - attached below.
One of the species I'm asked about most is the fly agaric - it is perhaps the most iconic of all and is certainly photogenic. I'm pleased to report that I found some today on the fungi trail - a troop of them can be seen in Black Wood. I'll be heading out with a sign for them tomorrow!