Queens Wood, Highgate LNHS Fungus Foray 31.10.26

 

                                                              Fun Guy Mark Spencer leads LNHS fungus foray 2026

 

Despite an exceptionally dry summer, with almost three months of virtually no rainfall, we still managed to find a good variety of fungi during this year's annual event.

Although some species were noticeably less abundant, trooping funnels, for example, were found at only one or two locations, with just one or two specimens at each.

Some of the fungi also displayed secondary fungal growths or unusual forms. These included the hen of the woods, a Mycena species with 'white beards' (see below) and this example of rosecomb. Rosecomb is a genetic mutation or deformity in fungi where the cap warps or sprouts extra gills that can be triggered by various factors, potentially including environmental pollutants.

 

 
A hand lens is needed to observe this very tiny mushroom, Holly Parachute, Marasmius hudsonii, which grows exclusively on holly leaves. I believe it was discovered by Robin and is a rare find needing patience to observe. Not visible in this photo are the tiny hairs that surround the cap.

Also found:

Blushing Rosette Abortiporous biennis  photograph below with Ganoderma sp. (possibly Artists Bracket) and Psathyrella or brittlestems with turkeytail.

Not already mentioned (sorry for the mix of English and scientific names and spelling!)

Sulphur tuft,  Puff and earthballs,Glistening ink cap C. micacea, Hen of the woods, Shaggy Parasol, Hares foot ink cap (nice) Oysterlings, Smoky Bracket Bierkandera adjusta, Boletes, Pholiota gamosa (sticky) Deer Shield Pluteus cervinus, Scurfy Twiglets, Russula (think Charcoal Burner) Spindleshank Rhodocollibia fusipes, Wood Blewit Lepista nuda, Melanaleuca sp. Phlebia radiata Wrinkled crust (orange) and many Mycena.

G. resinaceum, G. lucidum, Clitocybe odora, C. nebularis, Polyporous badeus (like an oyster only with pores)
 

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