THE NATURE REPORT
November 2004
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If anything has enjoyed these damp conditions it has to be the fungi.

Our first example is of a fungi known as the Common Rustgill. This is an inedible fungi, normally found growing on fallen conifers they, as in this case can occasionally be found growing on the remains of fallen broadleaf trees.

The glistening look to this one is due to the rain though it can be slightly sticky when young.

 

 

 

 


The two pictures above show the fungi in profile and give a close up of the gill structure. The gills here are a pale yellowish colour but develop distinctive rust coloured spots as they age.

Next we have Candlesnuff Fungus. This can be found in large numbers on the woody remains (logs stumps & branches) of broad leafed trees.

As can be seen from the picture on the right it gets its name from its resemblance to snuffed out candle wick.As with the Rustgill it is inedible.

Our third fungi is known as Turkeytail it is known as a bracket fungi and is one of the most common wood rotting fungi.

It obtains its name from its fan shape and the concentric shaded zones on its upper surface they can range in colour from black, brown, blue-grey, purple through yellow to white.

The underside is covered with a myriad of tiny pores which are usually a white or cream colour.

As with our previous two fungi the Turkeytail is inedible.

I have to confess that I am not 100% sure of the Identity of this net fungi I think that it could be what is known as Blushing Bracket.

Its pores vary from small and round to elongated or gill like. If any of our visitors can correctly identify it please let me know.

A WORD OF WARNING - To accurately and safely identify fungi requires a good deal of experience the details and pictures above are not intended for identification purposes and are not to be relied upon for such. If you wish to collect edible fungi always have an experienced person with you, if you have the slightest doubt

LEAVE IT ALONE

Away from the fungi also flowering at this late time of the year was this Red Dead-nettle. Unlike the common nettle it does not sting, and is a member of the mint family.

The Red Dead-nettle was not the only plant in flower down by the River Dane this rose was also blooming.

This was originally a cultivated rose which apparently arrived at its present location via the waters of the river dane. I first spotted it last year but did not expect it to survive

 

More next month PHIL

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