To the non-technical amongst us, fungi may seem to be rather odd
sorts of plants, but in fact they are classed in a kingdom all of their own
separately to plants. The familiar toadstools, mushrooms, bracket fungus and
so on are in fact the fruiting bodies of otherwise largely hidden organisms
made up of masses of fibrous filaments called hyphae which together make
a net-like structure called the mycelium. Reproduction is by means of
microscopic spores whch are released from these fruiting bodies. Fungi
are ecologically very important in breaking down dead material of both animal
and plant origin and are a vital part of the Reserve's inhabitants. They are
great fun to spot, although identification can be tricky for the non-specialist.
This page contains a fairly random selection of fungi found at the Reserve.
Glistening Ink-cap
Coprinus micaceus
|
This specimen was found in the Walnut Tree Plantation at Warnham LNR,
December 2006. It tends to be found amongst old wood under broad leaved
trees. It is characterised by the mica-like speckles on the caps.
|
Blushing Bracket
Daedaleopsis confragosa
|
This handsome bracket fungus is commonly found on stumps of
broad leaved trees, particularly willow. This specimen was found in the
Walnut Tree Plantation, December 2006. |
Common Puffball
Lycoperdon perlatum
|
Commonly found in woodland, its name refers to the puffs of
spores the ripe fungus emits. It is best to avoid inhaling these. |
Wrinkled Crust
Phlebia radiata
|
Spreading orange/orange-brown sheets on rotting wood. This
specimen was found on a fallen birch branch, but only after seeing a brilliant
orange patch high up in a nearby birch tree. A short search soon found a
specimen on the ground, albeit not so highly coloured. |
Many Zoned Polypore
Trametes versicolor
Underside of Trametes versicolor, showing porous surface
|
Trametes versicolor is quite common around the
Reserve. The upper picture shows it growing on the fence at the entrance
to one of the bird-hides. The underside structure is characteristically
porous and in the lower image of a broken piece of fungus both the pores
and the fibrous nature of the bracket can be seen.
|
Split Porecrust
Schizopora paradoxa
|
Seen as white patches on all types of dead wood, throughout
the year. The pore structure can be seen with a hand lens. |
Grey Oysterling
Resupinatus applicatus
|
This tiny fungus was found in a knot-hole in the Walnut Tree
Plantation. You can get some idea of its small size from the woodworm holes
also visible in this image. |
