Understanding Fungi
Today is UK Fungus Day; an annual celebration of fungi which is an open invitation to everyone in the UK to experience and appreciate the wonder of fungi and to find out more about these fascinating organisms. Often described as the 5th kingdom, fungi are neither plant nor animal, and our knowledge of their biology and ecology is increasing all the time. They are incredibly important to the functioning of almost all ecosystems on earth. This autumn the fungi at Foxglove are spectacular and an event was held to learn more about them.
Species Volunteer Chris led a guided walk around the reserve to discover some of the fruiting bodies that were on display. The morning began briefly in the classroom where Chris explained the role of fungi in the ecosystem and how some are parasites, others rotters and recyclers and others mycorrhizal. The group then headed outdoors to identify different species and discuss their morphology.
Within a few metres of the Field Centre there was plenty to see. Turkeytail is a very colourful fungus and was once popular as a table decoration; at one time, it was even used to decorate hats!
Lumpy bracket was also on an old stump within a stone's throw from the Visitor Centre. It is found in woodland exclusively growing on dead deciduous wood, of which it favours beech.
Younger members of the group discovered a familiar species; King Alfred's cakes growing on Ash trees.They are also known as 'cramp balls' as it was believed that carrying them would protect people from attacks of cramp. King Alfred lived in the 9th century when parts of Britain had been overrun by Vikings. The story goes like this: Trying to escape them, he took refuge in the home of a peasant woman who asked him to watch over her cakes, baking by the fire. He let them burn and was scolded by the woman for his negligence. It is said that embarrassed and ashamed, he scattered the cakes to get rid of the evidence. As the fungus looks like small, burnt cakes, especially as they get older, the name King Alfred’s cakes went into common use.
Chris cut one in half to demonstrate that when broken they reveal a silver and black rings inside. The rings are similar to growth rings on a tree and each concentric circle represents a year’s growth. This also explain where the Latin name comes from – Daldinia concentrica.
Small stagshorn was a colourful find on a rotting log by the carpark.
The group then made their way to the woodland where there has been an incredible show of Fly Agaric. Chris described how the mycelium of fly agaric often forms a symbiotic relationship with the trees around it, wrapping around the roots and supplying them with nutrients taken from the soil. In exchange, the fungus receives sugars produced by the trees. We also learned that although poisonous to people they are a favourite food of Reindeer and that herders often lay a trail of them to lead their herd back home!
Up on the green route other highlights included puffballs…
False Saffron Milkcaps, Purple Russulas,....
...Shaggy Parasols and…
...Plums and Custard!
The English names were used but latin ones were discussed too. Back near the centre Elfin Saddles were found by a pathway. This is a slightly toxic but very unusual mushroom, one of the spore shooters that fire their spores out of their wrinkled caps rather than drop them from underneath.
Identifying mushrooms isn't easy especially as they can change their shape very quickly like these inkcaps.
A shappy inkcap was taken back to the classroom and placed on a plate so that the ink could drain out from it.
Two of our young supporters demonstrated how the ink can be put to good use!
The resulting artwork was very impressive and was most definitely inspired by the morning's walk!
It was a great end to a lovely morning.
Our sincere thanks to Chris for taking time to share her vast knowledge and to all of the people who joined in and made it so worthwhile.