Large Cluster Of Fungi On Stump ?

LawrenceFlowers · #1 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:06 PM

Hi there, I'm new to this so bear with me..

I've tried hard to identify my Fungi but can't get a match, you all will probably yawn or laugh at my photo's but any help would be great.

They are in "Unidentified Fungi" (4 off) if the link below doesn't work. TIA

NickCantle · #2 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:10 PM

Hello and a warm welcome to WAB.

Your image is good! The light is good, it's sharp/in focus and clearly shows the subject!

Your fungi are the common Armillaria mellea

Nick

LawrenceFlowers · #3 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:16 PM

Thanks Nick, that was quick, are they edible?

PS I looked at your website, great pictures?

Stewy · #4 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:20 PM

Said to be but can cause gastric upsets in some people so best avoided plus just because someone on a website tells you that they are this or that doesn't mean that you should eat them if you cannot 100% ID them for yourself.

Welcome to WAB btw!

LawrenceFlowers · #5 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:21 PM

Hi Nick again,

Just cross referenced on

Honey Fungus - Armillaria mellea

Which is where I looked first and (as always) they don't look exactly the same, or is it just me? I know I must be certain.

Thanks again

NickCantle · #6 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:28 PM

No species will look 'exactly the same' when you find it each time. Some species are more variable, and some are extremely variable. I'd say that A. mellea is a very variable species. As for culinary value, you need to be identifying species on your own before you even consider eating them.

Nick

EDIT; Thanks for your comment regarding my website, though I'm not sure if it's a good comment with that question mark lurking after the statement

LawrenceFlowers · #7 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:39 PM

Thanks for everyone's advice, I always play safe anyway, eating only the ones I'm certain about.

Lucky the wife popped into Waitrose on the way home otherwise Risotto would have been a disaster.

Cheers

LawrenceFlowers · #8 (**permalink**) 21-10-2008, 05:49 PM

Sorry Nick, must be a typo, I've hit that key too many times today!
Your pictures are FAB, (my wife is a photographic agent and she thinks there great too).