Fungi growing on high

Gracie · #1 (**permalink**) 30-10-2011, 09:15 AM

This photo is of a fungi that grew in my hanging basket, I tried to load a photo of the basket but it's not working, I can't say what habitat because of being in a hanging flower basket but the compost was a purchased organic one, PMG said candolleana came to her mind when she saw it and Lancashire Lad thought Pasthyrella, so put the two together and you get Pale Birttlestem - can anyone confirm this for me, also any idea how it got in a hanging basket that is rather high if it wasn't from the organic compost. PS It smells mealy or earthy.

Thank you in advance.

Gracie · #2 (**permalink**) 30-10-2011, 09:20 AM

Managed to get two more photos uploaded for view if they are of help.

thanks.

dickie'sbird · #3 (**permalink**) 30-10-2011, 09:29 AM

I don't know what species this is Gracie...but you've possibly set a new trend in the hanging basket market. Dragons Den comes to mind...fungi out of childrens reach but there to study!

Hope you get this enigma resolved...cute photo.

fairplay · #4 (**permalink**) 30-10-2011, 11:38 AM

Hi Gracie,

You probably have a species of Melanoleuca by the look of things, but being in compost from an unknown source, it could even be an alien. (the gills are the wrong colour for a Psathyrella)

Neil.

EDIT: With further reading, I'm convinced this is Melanoleuca cognata even though the common name is Spring Cavalier.

Gracie · #5 (**permalink**) 31-10-2011, 10:21 AM

Thank you Fairplay, I have looked in my books and I am sure you are right, the ones in my basket were rather dry, but because it was going to be re done I hadn't watered it, also the plants in there were purchased from a car boot so could have come from anywhere as well as the organic soil I added.

thank you again much appreciated.

PS Dickie's Bird shall I apply to Dragons Den.....