New fungus in Northamptonshire

[2dogs2000]

Just caught the tail end of this on the radio when I was in the car. Apparently a new fungus for Northamptonshire was discovered near Oundle growing near bamboo. It was called Lattice stinkhorn? and smells like rotting flesh.

I am not really into fungi (too difficult ) but I thought you fungi lovers would be interested.

[Ditiola]

Hi
Thanks that’s very interesting as they are rare and I have never seen one. They occasionally appear on the south coast but not normally as far north as Northampton.

If you wish to see a photo of this amazing fungus search for Clathrus ruber on Google images.

Peter

[Ditiola]

Found more info on the net


UK: Unusual fungus found in bamboo plant
18.08.10
A rare species of fungi, which smells of rotting flesh and usually found in much more southerly climes, has been found by a resident near Oundle in Northamptonshire, England.

Steve Flack, from Lilford, contacted The Wildlife Trusts, after seeing an unusual fungi growing in his bamboo plant: “I discovered it about two weeks ago when it was a hard white sphere growing to about two-thirds the size of a golf ball. I presumed it was a developing puff ball so I kept watching it. It has been growing in amongst a potted bamboo plant, which I’ve kept outside for the past 6 years.”

Mr Flack’s find has now been confirmed as the Red Cage Fungus, also known as the Lattice Stinkhorn (Clathrus ruber). “I didn’t look at it for about three or four days so I was very surprised this morning to discover it had turned red and very smelly… I have never seen anything remotely like this.”

Normally recorded in the west of England and the Channel Islands, the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre, has confirmed this is a first. The Association of British Fungus Groups’ only lists 38 records in the whole country and it's widely regarded as an ‘alien’ species to the UK.

Brian Eversham, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough, said: “It is a real find; I’m delighted to see this. It’s a native of southern Europe, and is thought to have been spreading northwards in the last few decades. The early British records of the fungus were thought to be introduced when composted bark has been put down, a number of fungi can be moved around in compost.”

The Northamptonshire Biodiversity Records Centre is keen to hear of any unusual finds. Contact them on 01604 400448 or email

[2dogs2000]

If I don't recognise it by sight I should be able to smell it. Yuck!

[Chris Yeates]

I'm always amazed by how haphazard the press is (are?) with these stories - look at the map - it's been found in Scotland for heaven's sake - several of these dots are further north than Northampton; and this is in a plant pot with an alien plant, so an unequivocal introduction!

NBN Gateway: Red Cage (Clathrus ruber) grid map

"The Association of British Fungus Groups’ only lists 38 records in the whole country" so let's forget the nearly 150 records on FRDBI shall we? of course! that wouldn't make such a good story . . . .

we are adding species to the Yorkshire list monthly, but it's no big deal - knowledgeable mycologists are still very thin on the ground, after all

the silly season rules I daresay - anyway it keeps the headlines away from the systematic axeing of public services, including museums (and probably biological records centres, sadly) which is going on in the country

hey ho

Chris

PS am I correct in thinking that the NBN Gateway still does not have any CATE records on it yet - despite assurances months ago (probably years ago now - http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...tml#post255275 April 2008) that it would have? I stand to be corrected if I have misunderstood the situation.

[2dogs2000]

The nearly 150 records on the FRDBI go back to 1844. Only 3 of the nearly 150 records are in Scotland and 1 in Dublin. The majority are in the south.
I realise that it is an alien species but I thought those interested in fungi would be interested in the sighting and the fact it is a first for Northamptonshire.

I am sorry if this post has upset you.

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by 2dogs2000

I realise that it is an alien species but I thought those interested in fungi would be interested in the sighting and the fact it is a first for Northamptonshire.

I am sorry if this post has upset you.

It has not upset me - and I would not want you to think that my mini-tirade was aimed at you, or indeed at Northamptonshire (where I have forayed profitably in the past) and where they have an excellent county natural history society (with their own splendid Humfrey Rooms - which many societies would love to have)

I just get a bit exasperated at the random way in which the press latch on to stories which are of some mycological interest, but scarcely earth-shattering, anyway some good publicity for the records centre

anyhoo - no offence intended - sorry I launched off on one a bit

Chris

[Ditiola]

[quote=2dogs2000;666486]The nearly 150 records on the FRDBI go back to 1844. Only 3 of the nearly 150 records are in Scotland and 1 in Dublin. The majority are in the south.
I realise that it is an alien species but I thought those interested in fungi would be interested in the sighting and the fact it is a first for Northamptonshire.]



I was interested, and thank you for letting me know. I would love to find one

Peter