Fungus ID

[annew]

I know it's not a plant but can anyone identify this fungus found growing on waste ground this week. I can't find it in any of my reference books, despite its distinctiveness.

[Anthony Darby]

Coprinus plicatilis [the 'Little Jap Umbrella'].

[annew]

Thanks, Anthony. I had decided that one was similar to mine but the pictures in the books still seemed to show it with a cap covering the gills, whereas mine seemed to be just gills on top of the stalk. Maybe it changes with age.

[Paul T]

Anne,

I think we get it here as well, or something very similar.


Speaking of unidentified fungus....... I was talking to a neighbour the other day and he was commenting on the fact something was throwing up in his front yard every night.  He was thinking it was the possums or something but was really concerned as to why it was happening.  As soon as he mentioned it I figured it was one of the slime molds (I think that is the right term) that I've had appear from time to time amongst mulch in my garden as well.  It sort of looks like a big gloop of beigy orange fluffy stuff that pretty much DOES look like something had thrown up.  Your unidentified fungus is MUCH nicer to look at!! 

[Lesley Cox]

So pleased you haven't posted a picture Paul 

[Paul T]

Lesley,

To be honest, I've never taken a picture of it.  Just a mound of fluffy stuff that in the situation looks very odd.  As I said, when he described it I knew what he was talking about, because I had thought the same thing the first time it appeared in my garden too!!  If I see another one I'll photograph it just for you, eh? 

[annew]

Slime moulds are Cool!

[Maggi Young]

Yes, Anne, remember Darren's yellow example on their new raised beds