Can anyone help identify this fungi?

[DAVE8075]

Hi there, I found this group of fungi in clusters at the side of a track next to gorse bushes but in clear daylight in well drained soil. I'd say they are about 120mm tall with stems about 7-8mm and the caps are about 30-40mm. The caps are slightly shaggy being darker in the centre. They don't produce any milk when damaged. The gills and cap are a light creamy brown and the stem is slightly darker. There seems to be two different sizes of gills - short and full length. There is a white ring near the top of the stem.

There seemed quite a few of them and I've looked everywhere to identify them. Just want to know if they are edible and what they are called.

[Chris Yeates]

hi

err . . . . it's a fungus not a fungi

it's one of the honey fungus complex and looks to me like Armillaria ostoyae

as to edibility I know people who can eat honey fungus quite happily and others who find them indigestible / capable of causing stomach upsets, so it's up to you - I would recommend trying just a bit first and select young firm ones and cook them thoroughly

but you won't kill yourself . . . whatever

cheers

Chris

[DAVE8075]

Thanks Chris,
Apologies for the fungi/fungus thing, it's all a bit new to me.

I think I came across the Honey Fungus but the picture in the book seemed slightly different. The depth of the cap seemed a lot bigger than my example. The depth of the caps I've got are between 7-10mm, any thoughts?

I have just read something that could just explain my last point. Like you said Chris, they are a complex and because of which have differing features. I'll try a spore print and see what colour that comes out. I think it should be creamy white. Thanks again for your response, it's nice to just get a second opinion!!

[FungiJus]

Hi Dave - welcome along....

The honey fungus genus (Armillarea) is notoriously akward as it contains quite a few species which are hard to tell apart, and the appearance can be very variable even within the same species. As a rule in fact, most fungi fruitbodies can be pretty variable depending on local conditions, availability of water etc. so photos in books, whilst useful as a guide, can only represent a fairly limited range of possible forms / sizes.

For the most part, these fungus things don't like to conform .... which is what makes it so fun

Cheers.
J.

[fairplay]

I'll definitely go along with Chris on this one, the 'squamules' on that young cap, and even on the ring, plus the stem, all add up to A.ostoyae.

Neil.

[DAVE8075]

Thanks everyone for you help, I am very impressed with your responses and willingness to help.
Cheers.