|
Fungimap Newsletter Issue 7 April 1998
|
Australian Fungi Mapping Scheme
Administration: John Julian
P.O. Box 178
Bright Vic. 3741
email: wandivalley@netc.net.au
Telephone: (03) 5750 1796
Fungimap Records: c/o Fungimap
National Herbarium
Birdwood Avenue SOUTH YARRA VIC 3141
email: Email: tmay@rbgmelb.org.au
Homepage: http://calcite.apana.org.au/fungimap
Fungimap News Editor: John Julian
Drought The drought has been temporarily broken around Bright with 65 mm
of rain falling on Easter Sunday and Monday. Hopefully more will follow.
Maybe we will get some fungi coming up at last!
In times of drought fewer fungi are to be found and during these times we try
to cut back on things in Fungimap to ensure the meagre funds we have will last
longer. However, you can still find some very interesting specimens and records
of these are important in considering how drought effects fungi.
As you will note, we do not charge a fee for the newsletter, believing that the
hard work given by fungi-hunters should not cost them. We will continue with
this policy for as long as possible, however, our funds cannot last forever.
Our 'founding' father, Dr Tom May, is now able to state he is a father in
reality! Tom became a father late last year with the arrival of his daughter,
Iona May Maroske. Congratulations, Tom and Sarah!
We have now collected more than 1600 records across Australia. This means we
collected twice as many fungi last year (1100) as we did in our first year of
operating (500). Well done FUNGI-HUNTERS!
Last year I nearly got to my target number of 20 records: I got 16. 1 am
determined this year to find 30 records. How about you? A target of 30 new
records is just 5 records a month for the next six months -- that should be
really easy for us all to achieve.
We need every record you can find as these are now starting to give us a
picture of where fungi are for the first time! So send in every record as soon
as you find it.
Welcome to New FUNGI-HUNTERS A lot of new people have joined us recently
as FUNGI-HUNTERS. Welcome to the exciting world of mapping one of Australia's
unknown frontiers.
We currently have many atlases and maps of plants, animals and birds. As far as
I am aware, we have very few, if any, maps of the distribution of fungi outside
of those published in this newsletter.
Every record submitted of the target species significantly adds to our
knowledge base.
Colour brochures of the original 8 target species are available from myself.
The remaining 42 species can all be found in Bruce Fuhrer's book, A Field
Guide to Australian Fungi. (For the complete list of species see p.2.) This
is available in many bookshops, through the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria
or through Fungimap. The cost of Bruce's book is S20.00. Each copy you buy from
Fungimap assists us to keep going.
We still need many more recorders in the true heart of Victoria, that is every
where outside of Melbourne. Importantly, we need many more people from other
States. Spread the word -- talk about the exciting work you are doing --
mapping a new frontier.
We welcome any items of interest that Fungimap recorders wish to send in to us
relation to fungi.
We will publish these in the newsletter as space permits. This month we have
items from Julie Strudwick, who also donated some excellent slides of fungi for
us to use in talks, and from Margery Smith. Margery, in examining old newspaper
records, has found a very old record of Ileodictyon cibarium.
John Julian
Back to Table of Contents
The Fungimap project is the first mapping scheme of fungi to occur in the
southern hemisphere and aims to gather information about the distribution and
spread of 100 selected species of fungi. In essence, we are increasing the
knowledge of the distribution and ecology of Australian fungi. Literally we are
mapping a new scientific frontier in Australia.
Currently, approximately 5,000 Australian fungi are known. This represents only
5% of the expected population of Australian species. At current rates of
research, it is estimated that it would take 700 years before all Australian
fungi are catalogued.
The Australian Fungi Mapping Scheme is a volunteer group working in close
conjunction with professional mycologists. It undertakes the Fungimap project
as well as carrying out field research of specific areas each year. Last year a
field expedition occurred at Mt Buffalo and this year an expedition will be
occurring at Wilson's Promontory.
In the Fungimap project, 50 target species have now been selected (see page
2) and volunteers have been searching for these species for one year,
sending in 1600 records. Volunteers are able to identify the species from
photographs in readily available texts, predominantly Bruce Fuhrer's A Field
Guide to Australian Fungi.
For further information you can contact John Julian, P.O. Box 178, Bright
Vic 3741, phone (03) 5750 1796 or preferably, by email at
wandivalley@netc.net.au
Back to Table of Contents
Records, recent or old, of all 50 target species from all parts of Australia
are requested. Some of the additional species are not so distinctive as the
original eight species and some recorders may wish to limit themselves to the
more obvious species. Remember to indicate if you are in any doubt about the
identification of a record, and in such cases it is best to send a photo.
Numbers in brackets are page numbers in Bruce Fuhrer's Field Companion to
Australian Fungi (published by FNCV).
ORIGINAL EIGHT (illustrated in Fungimap colour brochure -- in addition,
all species except Amanita muscaria and Battarraea stevenii are
illustrated in Field Comp.)
Amanita muscaria
Amanita xanthocephala (21)
Aseroe rubra (102)
Battarraea stevenii
Dermocybe austroveneta (31)
Mycena interrupta (59)
Omphalina chromacea (62)
Omphalotus nidiformis (70)
ADDITIONS MARCH 1997 For this first updated list, all species are
illustrated in Bruce Fuhrer's Field Companion.
Agaricus xanthodermus (15)
Amauroderma rude (113)
Anthurus archeri (102)
Armillaria luteobubalina (22)
Ascocoryne sarcoides (144)
Banksiamyces macrocarpa (146)
Boletellus obscurecoccineus (80)
Calostoma fuscum (94)
Cordyceps gunnii (154)
Cordyceps hawkesii (155)
Cortinarius austroalbidus (in Field Comp. as C. albidus) (29)
Cortinarius radicatus (34)
Cortinarius rotundisporus (36)
Cyttaria gunnii (147)
Fistulina hepatica (116)
Gymnopilus pampeanus (45)
Hericium clathroides (108)
Hygrophorus lewellinae (48)
Ileodictyon gracile/cibarium (in Field Comp. as Clathrus cibarius)
(101/104)
Leotia lubrica (150)
Lepista nuda (52)
Macrotyphula juncea (in Field Comp. as Clavaria delphus) (85)
Marasmius oreades (55)
Microporus xanthopus (118)
Morchella elata/conica (in Field Comp. as Morchella sp.) (151)
Mucronella pendula (in Field Comp. as Myxomycidium pendulum) (90)
Mycena austrororida (57)
Mycoacia subceracea (109)
Neolentinus dactyloides (in Field Comp. as Lentinus terrestris) (52)
Oudemansiella radicata (67)
Panus fasciatus (in Field Comp. as Lentinus fasciatus) (51)
Piptoporus australiensis (119)
Piptoporus maculatissimus (121)
Podaxis pistillaris (100)
Podoserpula pusio (132)
Poronia ericii (in Field Comp. as P. punctata) (158)
Pseudohydnum gelatinosum (142)
Schizophyllum commune (76)
Tremella fuciformis (138)
Tremella mesenterica (140)
Vibrissea bicolor (154)
Volvariella speciosa (77)
All fungi records to be sent to:
Fungimap
National Herbarium of Victoria,
Birdwood Avenue,
South Yarra, 3141
All administrative and general enquiries to:
John Julian,
PO Box 178, Bright, Victoria 3741.
Telephone (03) 5750 1796.
Margery Smith has sent in an interesting snippet from the Gundagai Times
Saturday July 17 1869
TUMUT
(from our correspondent)
A singular fungus was recently unearthed in Mrs Atkinson's garden at
Transit Hill. Fungi of the same description are I believe occasionally met with
in other neighbourhoods. They are always buried a few inches below the surface,
in rich rotten ground, and when found are rolled up like a ball, but on being
carefully raised immediately expand and present a beautiful, geometrical, net
like appearance, each interstice being a perfect hexagon; the colour is creamy
white and the odour emitted is peculiar; in some particular way they resemble
the truffle. The fungus in question was of unusual dimensions, viz., about 12
inches in circumference, and when expanded the very counterpart of a lady 's
chignon net on a large scale.
Margery has identified this fungus as Ileodictyon cibarium (=Clathrus
cibarius), and worked out a grid reference for the site, so that the record
can be entered into the data base.
Prior to this, our oldest record was from 1887, of Battarraea stevenii,
collected by C. French from Lake Albacutya, collated by John Avram from the
holdings of the Herbarium at the Plant Research Institute, Knoxfield.
Back to Table of Contents
Acknowledgements and signiflcant records
Our recorders have been very busy in the latter half of 1997, sending in 847
records. Thanks go to the following: George Biron, Prue Brown, Pamela
Catcheside (3 batches), Eileen Collins, Judith Cooke, Robin Corringham, Julia
Davis (2), Elaine Davison, Jane Dennithome, Rod Dunstan. Robin Dzedins, Ian
Endersby, Timothy Entwisle, Cecily Falkingham, Arthur Farnworth, Cicely Fenton
(2), Ron Fletcher (3), FNCV, Sharon Ford (4), Ade Foster, Sally Green, Pat Grey
(2), Sheila Houghton, Virgil Hubregtse, Anne Hughes, Patricia Jordan, John
Julian (5), Helen Langley, Heino Lepp (2), Simon Lewis, Tom May, Ian McCann and
Thelma Argall (4), Marie Mclntyre, Dave Munro (3), Peter Neish (2), Lois
Prictor, David Ratkowsky (3), Rosemary Robb (2), Joan & Bob Rowlands,
Margery Smith, Julie Strudwick (2), Katrina Syme, Bon Thompson, Tom Verberne,
Wandiligong PS, and Hilary Weatherhead.
Some recent highlights are the 200th record of Amanita muscaria from
Judith Cooke (North Ringwood, Vic). Ian McCann with Thelma Argall sent in 31
records at the end of last year despite the extremely dry weather. Among the
records have been the first we have received of Poronia ericii and
Macrotyphula juncea. This brings Ian's batch number to 12 and takes his
total number of records to 196 -- thank you Ian and Thelma, a tremendous
effort. Talking of record numbers, Heino Lepp sent 161 records in one batch
from the holdings of the Canberra Herbarium (Be!connen, ACT), which certainly
boosted the records. Hilary Weatherhead (Emerald, Vic) hunted through her
notebooks for old records and among them was the first Fungimap record of
Ascocoryne sarcoides, and Bon Thompson (Traralgon, Vic) sent in the
first records of Mucronella pendula and Amauroderma rude. Habitat
information is going to very useful, and Julie Strudwick (Benalla, Vic) gave us
a description of the vegetation for the first sighting for the scheme of
Mycoacia subceracea, growing on a dead log under Eucalyptus
melliodora and E polyanthemos.
Fungi of Southern Australia by Neale Bougher and Katie Syme has just
been published. This is a most useful work with 125 watercolour paintings of
macrofungi, a very detailed text and lots of useful introductory chapters. RRP
is $75, but this book will be available from the Field Naturalists Club of
Victoria at a discounted price ($60 + $4.50 postage) -- orders to Ray White (03
9379 3602) or FNCV office (03 9877 9860), Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, Victoria
3130.
You will be pleased to know that the first batch of 100 dung samples has
arrived safely in New Zealand. Anne Bell was finally able to resolve all the
paperwork and quarantine issues. Her work will be done in a 'quarantined area'.
Good Luck Anne, with growing fungi from the dung samples. The next 50 batches
of dung are ready to go. So thanks to all those people who have sent in dung --
these include in the latter half of 1997:Robin Corringham (5 batches), Julia
Davies, Cecily Falkingham (2), Cicely Fenton, Ron Fletcher (5), Dick Griffiths,
Greg Kirby, Tom May, Dave Munro (3), Susan Palmer, Joan & Bob Rowlands (2),
Margery Smith (3), and Julie Strudwick.
Ann Bell recently wrote to us -- "All the samples are beautifully documented
and all arrived to good order. Thank you so much once again, without the
assistance of you and all these collectors I would not be able to do this
project. With kind regards, Ann"
Due to the efforts of our valiant dung collectors, a sufficient sample
of wombat, wallaby and kangaroo dung has been accumulated from Victoria. If you
have just collected dung of these three animals from Victoria, do send it in,
but we ask collectors in Victoria to now concentrate of dung of other
herbivores such as koala, echidna, bush rat, or bandicoot. Samples of any type
of dung from OTHER STATES are still required.
A few people sent in dung with fungi, but in most cases there was not enough
material to form Herbarium samples. At present, the call for dung is a request
just for the dung, and not the fungi. The dung will be sent to Ann Bell at
Victoria University, Wellington, where samples will be incubated in moist
chambers and the fungi appearing will be described and form the basis of the
taxonomic treatment of dung fungi for Fungi of Australia. Ann will be
able to observe important characters of the fruit bodies (of what are often
tiny and delicate species) directly from living material.
If you wish to send in fungi samples as Herbarium Collections, they need to be
separated from the dung. To be of value for taxonomic studies, collections
should be well dried, ample and accompanied by notes on fresh appearance
(photos are also useful) and by a separate label for each collection giving the
same information as required for Fungimap records (collector, date, locality,
grid etc.). Ample means that with specimens less than 1 cm at least 10 are
needed, and for the very tiny, less than 1 mm, at least 50 fruit bodies are
required. Before drying the fruit bodies should be in good condition, and
neither immature nor overmature. If you are in any doubt about any of these
requirements, it is best not to send specimens at present. There are further
details on collecting and drying collections for the herbarium in the FNCV
Fungi Kit (available on request).
Back to Table of Contents
Entoloma virescens is a startlingly sky blue toadstool that seems not
uncommon around Sydney, and is also widespread in New Zealand. There are only
two published records of the species from Victoria (from Marlo and Wilsons
Promontory), and no specimens from the state in the National Herbarium of
Victoria. So, it was a cause of great excitement to receive a photo of an
unidentified fungus which appears to be E. virescens, sent in by Helen
Langley of the Timboon Field Naturalists Club. The colour and also the
distinctive conical cap are consistent with E. virescens, although
confirmation requires examination of the spores (which are an unusual cuboid
shape).
The species seems to have a distribution similar to other tropical/subtropical
fungi which tend to be found along the eastern seaboard as far south as Sydney,
sometimes extending to Victoria, and then only in the east of the state (such
as Cyptotrama asprata and Dictyophora multicolor.) Thus the
occurrence in the west of the state is surprising. E. virescens will be
added to the list of target species and it will be interesting to see where
else it occurs in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
Back to Table of Contents
Below is a list of the Fungi species and the number of records that we have to
the end of 1997. You will note that Amanita muscaria tops the records,
along with six of the other seven original targets. The eighth, Battarraea
stevenii, is well down the list. There are almost twice as many records of
Amanita muscaria as the next commonest species. Of the targets added in
1997, Schizophyllum commune (as suggested by its epithet) is the
commonest. Surprisingly Agaricus xanthodermus (which we consider a very
common species) has only been recorded 31 times. Note that three species
Chlorovibrissea bicolor, Neolentinus dactyloides and Hericium
clathroides have not been recorded at all, and there are a number of
species with less than 10 records.
| Species | Records |
| Amanita muscaria | 215 |
| Amanita xanthocephala | 116 |
| Mycena interrupta | 110 |
| Aseroe rubra | 102 |
| Omphalina chromacea | 99 |
| Omphalotus nidiformis | 99 |
| Dermocybe austroveneta | 81 |
| Schizophyllum commune | 78 |
| Oudemansiella radicata | 62 |
| Gymnopilus pampeanus | 50 |
| Tremella mesenterica | 43 |
| Microporus xanthopus | 37 |
| Cordyceps gunnii | 35 |
| Tremella fuciformis | 35 |
| Agaricus xanthodermus | 31 |
| Armillaria luteobubalina | 27 |
| Cortinarius rotundisporus | 27 |
| Morchella elata/conica | 25 |
| Calostoma fuscum | 23 |
| Lepista nuda | 23 |
| Ileodictyon gracile | 22 |
| Amauroderma rude | 20 |
| Podoserpula pusio | 19 |
| Volvariella speciosa | 19 |
| Leotia lubrica | 18 |
| Fistulina hepatica | 15 |
| Marasmius oreades | 15 |
| Ascocoryne sarcoides | 13 |
| Battarraea stevenii | 13 |
| Boletellus obscurecoccine | 11 |
| Cyttaria gunnii | 11 |
| Poronia ericii | 11 |
| Anthurus archeri | 10 |
| Piptoporus australiensis | 9 |
| Podaxis pistillaris | 9 |
| Pseudohydnum gelatinosum | 9 |
| Mycena austrororida | 5 |
| Hygrophorus lewellinae | 4 |
| Macrotyphula juncea | 4 |
| Mucronella pendula | 4 |
| Piptoporus maculatissimus | 4 |
| Banksiamyces macrocarpa | 3 |
| Cortinarius austroalbidus | 3 |
| Cortinarius radicatus | 3 |
| Cordyceps hawkesii | 2 |
| Mycoacia subceracea | 1 |
| Panus fasciatus | 1 |
| Chlorovibrissea bicolor | 0 |
| Hericium clathroides | 0 |
| Neolentinus dactyloides | 0 |
Back to Table of Contents
Tom May
One of the important goals of Fungimap is to advance knowledge of what species
of fungi are rare, and where these species are found. At present there are only
one or two fungi formally included in state and national lists of rare and
threatened plants. Given that there appear already to be more species of fungi
described than flowering plants, it is to be expected that there will be at
least some (and possibly many) rare fungi. It is imperative that these be
identified as quickly as possible. The list of Fungimap targets will be
expanded to cover 50 species which have been identified as possibly being rare.
Further information for these species is urgently required.
The following is a preliminary list of fungi which seem to be (1) rare
throughout Australia, or (2) restricted in their distribution, and where there
is a need to get a better idea of the precise boundary of their distribution.
These latter species may thus be rare in some areas, common in others, and
include species like Entoloma virescens, common enough around Sydney,
but extremely rare in Victoria. Please let us know if there are any species
which you consider from your observations to be rare (and not too difficult to
identify in the field), and they will be considered for addition to the list.
Amanita austroviridis, Barya agaricola, Beenakia dacostae, Calostoma
fuhreri, Camarophyllus lilacinus (= Cantharellus lilacinus), Craterellus
cornucopioides, Cyptotrama asprata, Entoloma virescens, Geastrum quadrifidum (=
G. fornicatum), Helvella villosa, Hygrocybe graminicolor, Hypocreopsis sp.
(see Victorian Naturalist 110: 76-77), Morchella esculenta,
Mutinus cartilagineus, Mycena leaiana, Mycena nargan, Neolentinus dactyloides,
Nyctalis mirabilis, Polyporus hartmannii, Rozites metallica, Rozites
roseolilacina, Rozites symeae, Schizostoma laceratum, Underwoodia
beatonii.
Also to be added to the list of potentially rare species are those of the
original 50 species for which we have received the fewest records (such as
Chlorovibrissea bicolor and Banksiamyces macrocarpa).
A final list will be published in the next newsletter, along with some
notes on the distinctive characters of each species, and where to find
illustrations and further information.
Many of the original 50 target species have turned out to be quite common. The
choice to include common targets was a deliberate one, so that participants
would have a good chance of encountering the species, and in addition, the
targets were readily recognisable species for which colour illustrations were
available. It is important that we continue to receive records of the common
species for a number of reasons. Firstly, there are many gaps in distribution,
especially outside of Victoria, and also the inland edge of the distribution of
many species is yet to be firmly established. Records of common species are
also vital in order to say with more certainty which species are rare -- they
can be said to calibrate the system.
If we continue to receive a steady stream of records of common species, but few
or no records of rare species, then we can be confident that the species
suggested as rare are in fact rare. It should be possible to establish some
minimum number of records per year that we might expect for a common species.
If we don't keep getting records of common species, there might be few records
of rare species just because overall we have received few records from a given
area, or over a particular time. Records of common species will always be
useful, even with more recorders, because we can calculate the number of
records per recorder per year (and do this for specific areas). Of course, it
is quite possible that there are some rare species that are so restricted in
their distribution that their localities will not be visited by Fungimap
recorders -- but there is little evidence so far that there are many fungi with
this type of distribution, and different strategies will have to be developed
to pick up these species.
Back to Table of Contents
There are many gaps in the distribution of the target species -- especially
outside of Victoria. Some areas where we would like to encourage recorders are
western Tasmania, the north of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and
the areas inland of the Great Divide in Queensland and New South Wales. If you
know of anyone in the these areas who might be interested, please pass on a
newsletter to them, or drop us a line with their contact details.
Back to Table of Contents
Tom May
The record of Ileodictyon from Tumut sent in by Margery Smith
prompted a look at the distinguishing characters of Ileodictyon gracile,
one of the target species. The genus Ileodictyon (cage, net or
basket fungi) is readily distinguished by the white receptacle which forms a
hollow network, like a soccer ball with panels punched out of it. The
receptacle is initially within an egg-like outer covering, but eventually
becomes free, and then has no obvious top or bottom. The spores are in a slimy,
olive mass on the inside of the arms of the network. There is an interesting
recent article by Gooday & Zerning (1997) on the similarity of the
receptacle of Ileodictyon to the 'buckyball' -- the polyhedral hollow
cage of carbon atoms (buckminsterfullerene), the most stable form of which is a
60 carbon atom truncated icosahedron. These were named because of their
resemblance to geodesic domes designed by architect Buckminster Fuller.
The genus is easy to recognise -- what of the species? According to Cunningham
(1944) and Dring (1980) there are two species in the genus, both widely
distributed in Australia and New Zealand. Ileodictyon cibarium has arms
which are folded in the egg in a concertina-like fashion, and which after
expansion usually retain a creased appearance. The arms are up to 10 mm broad,
and are hollow (with 1-3 chambers) with relatively thin walls. In
Ileodictyon gracile the arms are sinuously folded in the egg, and on
expansion are quite smooth and often flattened and ribbon-like. The arms also
differ significantly from I. cibarium in often being distinctly broader
where they intersect. The arms are up to 5 mm thick, hollow (1-2 chambers) and
have relatively thick walls.
There are illustrations of I. cibarium (some as Clathrus) in
Cunningham (Gasteromycetes of Australia and New Zealand), Dring (Kew
Bulletin 35:196), and Young (Common Australian fungi --
doesn't show creasing of arms), and of I. gracile (some as
Clathrus) in Bougher & Syme (Fungi of Southern Australia),
Dring (Kew Bulletin 35:196), Fuhrer (Field Companion
misidentified as I. cibarium), Shepherd & Totterdell
(Mushrooms and Toadstools of Australia), and Young (Common Australian
fungi).
For Fungimap, so far only records of I. gracile have been
requested. It is possible that the species has been confused with I.
cibarium, so henceforth records of either species are requested and
recorders are asked to provide a photo or some notes confirming the
identification to species. Records not confirmed as either species will still
be retained, and used to map the distribution of the genus.
References
Cunningham, G.H. (1944), Gasteromycetes of Australia and New Zealand.
Published by the author: Dunedin.
Dring, D.M. (1980), Contributions towards a rational arrangement of the
Clathraceae, Kew Bulletin 35: 1-96.
Gooday, G.W. & Zerning, J. (1997), Ileodictyon cibarium: the basket
fungus as a buckyball, Mycologist 11: 184-186.
Back to Table of Contents
The maps are based on Fungimap records and indicate the progress being made to
date. Maps for Victoria show distribution for 10' x 10' grids. those for
Australia are based on spot localities. Remember that your record may be absent
because some records are still to be processed and added to the distribution
database (we are also yet to add information from the literature and from a
number of Herbarium collections). The maps extend the distribution of most
species significantly, but are also valuable in highlighting areas where more
records are required.
Mycena interrupta: Distribution in Victoria -- Fungimap records
in red, National Herbarium of Victoria records in yellow. With only one
accessioned collection, from near Toolangi, there was not much to say about the
distribution of this species based on National Herbarium holdings. The numerous
Fungimap records received have extended the distribution of this beautiful
species across the state, although confined to higher rainfall areas (such as
Central Highlands, Otways, Grampians, Portland area). We need more records from
Gippsland, from alpine areas and from the north of the state (if the species is
found further north).
Amanita xanthocephala: Distribution in Victoria -- Fungimap records in
red, National Herbarium of Victoria records in yellow. This species is turning
out to be quite common, and is widely distributed across the state, including
remnant urban bushland throughout greater Melbourne. The northern limit of
distribution is interesting -- with a few records from the Murray, and in the
west of the state records from as far north as the Little Desert (under Red
River Gum at Kiata). Does this species extend further into the dry country with
River Red Gum? As with all fungi, there are many gaps in the distribution yet
to fill.
Microporus xanthopus: Distribution in Australia. This polypore occurs
over a large range along a narrow coastal strip from far north New South Wales
to the north of the Northern Territory. Does it extend to the north of Western
Australia, and perhaps further south in New South Wales?
Omphalotus nidiformis: Distribution in south-eastern Australia. The
ghost fungus is often noticed due to its luminescence, and so far has been
recorded across a wide area of SE Australia. The inland limit in NSW is of
interest, and there are also few records from South Australia.
Distribution of Mycena interrupta,
Amanita xanthocephala, Microporus xanthopus and
Omphalotus nidiformis based on selected Fungimap records
Back to Table of Contents
The Bairnsdale and District Field Naturalists Club will be hosting a Fungi
Identification Workshop and Survey Weekend at Raymond Island in Gippsland,
Victoria, over the 19-21 June 1998. There will be a talk on the evening of the
19th, as part of the Bairnsdale and district FNC meeting. On the Saturday Tom
May will conduct a workshop on identification of macrofimgi, with a fungi
survey the following day, tentatively on Raymond Island, depending on suitable
rain. Accommodation on Raymond Island is available, Further details available
from Andrew Bould, (03) 5156 6494.
Back to Table of Contents
Julie Strudwick (Benalla, Vic) writes that she has observed Poronia ericii a
number of times, always on only one dropping of a pile. I have no answer to
why this might be so. Perhaps someone who lives near to a spot where animals
regularly leave droppings might be able to follow the occurrence of Poronia
through the year, and also see how long it takes for the fruit bodies to
appear after a dropping has been deposited, and how many droppings of a pile
are host to Poronia over time. It is also of interest to note how many
different types of dung are host to P. ericii at any site.
P. ericii is the correct name for the widespread Australian species
previously called P. punctata, which is apparently not indigenous to
Australia, but in an unusual twist occurs on dung of exotic animals (wild
horses) in central Australia, while P. ericii seems to be introduced to
Europe, where it is found on rabbit droppings. The two species are best
separated on spore size. Records of P. ericii from native animals
(wombat etc.) do not need to be accompanied by voucher collections, but dried
specimens of Poronia from exotic animals such as rabbit, horse or camel
are welcome (see above in Pat Grey's column for information on sending in dried
specimens).
T.M.
Back to Table of Contents
May, T.W. & Avram, J. (1997). The conservation status and distribution
of macrofungi in Victoria. A report prepared for the Australian Heritage
Commission. Available from Tom May for $5 including postage (cheque to Royal
Botanic Gardens Melbourne). The report highlights how little we know about the
distribution and conservation of macrofungi -- with an estimated half of the
known species of Victorian macrofungi not represented among the collections of
the National Herbarium, and most species (80%) represented by five or less
collections. It is thus not possible at present to separate truly rare species
from those which have merely been under-collected.
Scott, G.A.M., Entwisle, T.J., May, T.W. & Stevens, G.N. (1997). A
conservation overview of Australian non-marine lichens, bryophytes, algae and
fungi. Environment Australia: Canberra. This report deals in detail with
why cryptogams (including fungi) are a vital part of ecosystems, what are the
threats to cryptogams, and suggests ways to improve the conservation status of
cryptogams. The report highlights the poor knowledge of the taxonomy, ecology
and distribution of cryptogams -especially the fungi. Available from: The
Botanical Bookshop, PO Box 351, Jamison ACT 2614, 06 257 3302.
Fungi of Southern Australia, by Neale Bougher and Katie Syme has just
been published. This is a most useful work with 125 watercolour paintings of
macrofungi, a very detailed text and lots of useful introductory chapters. RRP
is $75, but this book will be available from the Field Naturalists Club of
Victoria at a discounted price ($60 + $4.50 postage) orders to Ray White (03
9379 3602) or FNCV office (03 9877 9860), Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, Victoria
3130.
Fungimap is supported by the Myer Foundation
Fungimap Newsletter 7 is © 1998 Australian Fungi Mapping Scheme, Fungimap and Dr. Tom May
Last modified on 7 August 2003
Copyright © 1997-2003 Fungimap
