Fairy ring

Dan Salter · #1 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 05:25 PM

Just found this near my flat while the grand prix was on so in the ad break i grabbed this shot before the light faded.
Why do these happen can someone explain? do lots of fungi do it or just one type? any idea what ones these are and are they edible?
thanks
Dan

[IMG]

[/IMG]

arvensis · #2 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 05:54 PM

The mycelium(think of it as fungal roots) start from an initial central point and as the nutrients required are used up, it spreads out. As for types of fungi in fairy rings, you can get several types such as Fairy Ring Champignon(Marasmius oreades - cap edible) some Agaricus species and Clitocybe Dealbata(Deadly Poisonous) are some of these species.

Mark

Dan Salter · #3 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 06:02 PM

Thanks arv
If they are still there tomorrow....do they last that long? i shall go back with my mushroom book and see if i can id them properly...

arvensis · #4 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 06:07 PM

Oh they'll still be there tomorrow so go and investigate....

Mark

GerryNick2 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-10-2006, 06:08 PM

A bit more info on fairy rings.
The ring increases in size every year and the age can be assessed based on its rate of growth and size. Apparently they can grow up to severeal hundreds of meters in diameter with some having been recorded as 700 years old. If the growth is interrupted the circle will break up into half moons or straight lines.

As to your example, would need a close up shot of the cap and underside to ID it.

Gerry