Fungi 2012

[David Lyttle]

It is the time of year here where the fungi are beginning to emerge.

Here is todays offering

1  Tylopilus formosus a New Zealand bolete found in beech (Nothofagus) forests.

2 Russula sp

3 Cortinarius sp

4 Unidentified

[Hoy]

David, I like the bolete very much! It is very different from those growing here like Boletus edulis. Is yours edible?

[David Lyttle]

Hello Trond,

It is not edible. It is quite woody and is reputed to be bitter.

Here is another fungus that is always eye-catching Cortinarius porphyroideus (syn Thaxterogaster porphyreus = Thaxter's purple stomach). These secotioid fungi were originally thought to form a natural group until it was realised the secotioid or pouched form arose independently in different lineages. So Dr Thaxter's colourful stomach is no longer celebrated by mycologists.

[Hoy]

David, I could be tempted to grow colourfull mushrooms in stead of plants! Maybe they would like the humid climate here!

[David Lyttle]

David, I could be tempted to grow colourfull mushrooms in stead of plants! Maybe they would like the humid climate here!

You would have to grow the southern beech trees (Nothofagus) as well. We are getting huge crops of Amanita muscaria associated with introduced conifers; everyone with a digital camera is out taking pictures of them and they appear in photographic competitions every year. I am resisting the temptation.

The New Zealend fungal foray will be held in Riverton ( southern coast of South Island ) in May. I will be attending and hopefully will get some good photos

[Hoy]

I already have some Nothofagus species in the garden

I also have several Amanita species but not muscaria. However it is quite common here.
I once read that different species of fungi were deliberately spread in conifer plantations to enhance growth everywhere in the former British Empire and specifically in East Africa where European species were grown.

[johnw]

I already have some Nothofagus species in the garden

Hoy - Which Nothofagus species are hardy for you?

johnw

[Hoy]

Hoy - Which Nothofagus species are hardy for you?

johnw

I have only South American species and none from New Zealand. Have to mend that!

The first one i planted was N. antarctica and I still have it. It is rather common around here and fully hardy. I also have a small tree somewhat similar to antarctica but the leaves are much bigger and the tree is much smaller and not upright. I have also tried obliqua and dombeyi but they froze in the very cold winter 2 years ago - I am not sure I have any left. Now I have small plants of macrocarpa but haven't tried it outside yet.

I know pumilio is very promising and seems to be a better garden tree and hardier than antarctica. It is grown some places although I don't have it.

[David Lyttle]

Here is a rather striking coral fungus I found today near Dunedin. I will be attending the NZ Fungal foray next week so may have some more pictures then.

[Olga Bondareva]

David, are all NZ mushrooms of the violet color?  Fantastic!

My son's yesterday spoil (Gyromitra esculenta).

[Maggi Young]

Oh! Not even well cooked would I eat false morels 

[Olga Bondareva]

Maggi, I've eaten them every year since my childhood. May be that's why I am so strange? 

I ate them yesterday, I ate them today morning. I am OK as usual. 

[ronm]

Illegal to sell in some countries I believe. If prepared incorrectly they can be fatal!
I'll stick with my Ceps. . Although I would love to know more about edible fungi.

Very interesting post Olga, showing the difference in attitude between different cultures. 

[Maggi Young]

Maggi, I've eaten them every year since my childhood. May be that's why I am so strange? 

I ate them yesterday, I ate them today morning. I am OK as usual. 

Happily, Olga, this tells us that you know what you are doing... and you are a good cook!

[Olga Bondareva]

Illegal to sell in some countries I believe.

Why?

If prepared incorrectly they can be fatal!

We boil them three times changing water. Next fry with onions and cream.
Of course I do not let anybody to do the same and eat the mushroom.  It's tasty but nothing special, similar to most other mushrooms taste.

Very interesting post Olga, showing the difference in attitude between different cultures. 

Yes. 

Happily, Olga, this tells us that you know what you are doing... and you are a good cook!

Maggi, I was poisoned by a deadly mushroom 20 years ago. I was very lucky ate only 1 piece. Now I am very careful with fungi.