UK Fungus Day: What to look out for in Dorset

When we think about nature, we often think of plants, animals, birds, and even insects and other invertebrates. But what about fungi?

They comprise some of the most diverse and fascinating organisms in the world and can survive and thrive in all habitats and under the most extreme conditions, even at the bottom of deep oceans.

They are vital to many ecosystems, playing a key role in nutrient cycling and breaking down organic matter, forming a key component of healthy soils and helping some plants access nutrients and water. They are also a food source for animals and people. Some have even been found to be able to break down plastics and hydrocarbons, with research being undertaken into their potential for cleaning up our messes including oil spills and plastic pollution.

Many fungi exist as single celled organisms or mats and webs of filaments called hyphae, and these are often microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. The fungi we typically think of are those that produce fruiting bodies such as mushrooms, which grow out from their substrate, with diverse colours and forms. This is part of the reproductive strategy for these fungi, allowing them to disperse through spreading spores. The fungi are present in the soils, or rotting wood all the time, spreading through the substrate as a fine network or mycelium, but we only spot them when their fruiting bodies suddenly emerge.

Fruiting of fungi is usually triggered by changing environmental conditions such as temperature, light and moisture. In the UK, we see many fungi starting to fruit in the autumn, as hotter, drier summer weather gives way to milder, wetter conditions.

Although many fungi might seem instantly recognisable, there are often very subtle differences between similar species and identification of fungi is difficult. Often microscopic examination of spores is needed and even experts are frequently baffled, with new species being discovered every year in Britain.

Here are some species of fungi to look out for in Dorset:

Parasol mushroom (Macrolepiota procera)

A classic ‘mushroom’ which has a cap and a stalk, with gills beneath. They are commonly found on permanent grassland, heathland and woodland glades throughout Dorset, usually appearing towards the end of the summer. The cap opens up to a large, flat parasol up to 30cm across.

Yellow brain fungus (Tremella mesentrica)

This is a type of jelly fungus which is parasitic on other fungi that feed on dead wood. It is very common on gorse on heathlands but can also be found on other dead wood and in woodland, varying in colour from bright pale yellow to rusty orange when dry.

Waxcaps (Hygrocybe and related sp.)

Waxcaps are a group of colourful grassland mushrooms which are great indicators of good quality unimproved grassland and begin to appear in autumn, peaking in November. They are found where there is a long history of traditional grazing management, and the soils have been undisturbed by ploughing or use of fertilisers. They generally need a short turf to fruit productively. They come in a range of colours from pink to bright red, orange, yellow, white and even green.

Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor)

This is a common bracket-type fungus which grows in tiered clusters on dead wood and can be seen all year round. The fruiting bodies have pores beneath instead of gills. The common name comes from the concentric coloured patterning on their top surface.

Scarlet elf cups (Sarcoscypha austriaca)

These appear in winter through to early spring and form bright red cups which are smooth inside and pale and downy on the outside. They are attached by a short stem to twigs and deadwood on the damp woodland floor, or near rivers and ditches. A puff of white spores is released from the upper surface in response to external triggers such as a change in temperature. Try blowing on the mature fruits in late winter to see this in action!

Devil’s fingers (Clathrus archeri)

This is a strange looking fungus which grows in grasslands. The fungus emerges from a gelatinous ‘egg’ and its tentacle-like arms are covered in a dark olive-coloured, smelly slime which contains the spores. This attracts insects such as flies which help disperse the spores. It is thought to have been introduced to the UK from Australia or New Zealand in the early 20th century, being first recorded here in 1914 and is becoming more frequently recorded though still quite uncommon.

Earth balls (Scleroderma sp.)

These are a group of similar looking round fungi which grow on the woodland floor. They are shaped like a leathery potato and are solid with a brown-black interior beneath the off-white outer skin. When mature, the inner flesh develops into powdery spores which are released through splits in the outer skin.