Sowing the Seeds

The beautiful Fly Agaric Mushroom (Amanita muscaria) is a fungi species that is not native to Australia. It has however become readily naturalised in our Southern states. This particular one is growing under some Monterey Cypress at my place of work.

As it emerges from the ground the cap is usually rounded but then turns flat with age. The cap also the very pretty red surface with little white warts on it. It is a mushroom that many people would associate with fairy’s and other little fantastical garden creatures!

Something else that I find fascinating about this mushroom is that because of it’s psychoactive ingredient, it was apparently used by Vikings to enter their berserker rages. This theory though has never been proven and to some it is just an urban legend that has perpetuated over the years.

The wonderful fairy image above is taken from here.

Look at what is emerging from my soil and appearing amongst the grass! They are just so cute…if you are into fungi..and I am.

It is called an Earth Star. I am not sure of the specific species but possibly Geastrum triplex. You can see that it belongs to the ‘puffball’ kingdom of fungi. That puffy section in the middle of the fungi is actually very soft to touch and when it is pushed it ‘puffs’ out all the spores through it’s little opening there. I find it really fascinating and so wondrous. There is a whole colony of them out there growing in my little bit of bushland.

It really is that time of year for fungi and I have noticed some beautiful specimens around. They are just so intricate and often in the most amazing shapes and patterns. I will have some more great pics to share with you soon. Are you a fan of fungi too??