Please identify my fungi - is it harmful?

[Ditiola]

Hi

This thread has developed into a sensible discussion of an important topic and the New Zealand example from, Melanie is very interesting

In Britain we have had the rapid spread across the country of Calocera palidospathulata from an initial record in Yorkshire. I presume that all the branches and logs that are now covered with this fungus would have had other fungi on them and so many fungi have been displaced. Therfore this one fungus has probably depleted the fungal diversity in our woods and forests.

Peter

[Ditiola]

Originally Posted by fairplay

So am I doing the right thing by spreading spores of the extremely rare Pepperpot Fungus (Myriostoma coliforme) to very similar habitats nearby in an attempt to secure the future for this very threatened species, or am I wrong in spreading spores at the ONLY OTHER known location in Britain where this occurs in the hope of increasing the genetic diversity ?

Neil.

I do not think you need to worry Neil; you are doing a great job in trying to protect this fascinating rare fungus. It is a natural part of the British mycoflora and has no history of being invasive.

I have been giving this topic some thought: (Since I have retired I probably have too much time to think, so stop me if I start to rant too much; again)

But I like to try to ask the bigger questions:

I can see that an alien mycorrhizal species to Britain could have an unknown effect on the health of our forests, but how much does it actually matter which species are rotting down our deadwood and leaves?

I can see that a particularly invasive species may replace one already there but as long as the carbon cycle is maintained there will be no problem to 'Mother Nature' or whatever you want to call the environment as a whole. The one thing it will affect is the amount of species the mycologist will find on our forays, so will it only really only affect us mycologists? Or am I missing something?

Peter

[Cotham Marble]

Density of spores is an issue for those with asthama or other bronchial restriction problems. While it is true that we are surrounded by spores all the time, this doesn't account for the effect that a release of spores in a confined space may have upon someone who is sensitive fungal spores or otherwise health challenged. Of course it's all a matter of balance but personally I would be cautious about bringing a tub of large active fruiting bodies into the house, but then I'm one of those defective humans with a massively over active histamine response.

There's definitely cause for concern: Ray Bradbury Theater - Boys! Raise Giant Mushrooms in Your Cellar part 2 - YouTube

CM

[SheffieldLass]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

I can see that an alien mycorrhizal species to Britain could have an unknown effect on the health of our forests, but how much does it actually matter which species are rotting down our deadwood and leaves?


Peter

There may be an effect on insect populations (and that could then influence other organisms that are associated with them - the trophic cascade if that is the correct jargon ). Whilst trying to find the info on fly agaric in New Zealand I first came across a paper looking at the insects that feed on Fly Agaric in NZ, which I think may be connected to the research programme into NZ Fly Agaric.

http://www.ento.org.nz/nzentomologis...e_34_40-44.pdf

I think they were trying to get a feel for what sort of effect the presence of an exotic fungus species might have on their endemic fungivorous insect populations. The paper only really established what was feeding on the Fly Agaric, well that was my impression on a quick skim through ... I guess the knock-on effects are still to be researched.

Melanie

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by Ditiola

I do not think you need to worry Neil; you are doing a great job

Don't encourage him for goodness sake ! Neil might yet release his spore samples unto us all . haha Seriously ,, the 'morals of mycology' as i've mentioned before , come in many shapes and forms. And without Neil many of us would be lost in slime-moulds

It's cool that Wilippa has found a balance between trees and fungi,, perhaps a lesson to us all. peace n love , and mince pies

[mollisia]

Hello,

just a short remark (but I might answer longer tomorrow ):

I'm well aware that what I wrote about introducing fungi somewhere is a bit provocational and overdosed. But there is a piece of truth in it nevertheless (-> Melanies contribution about Amanita muscaria ...).

best regards,
Andreas

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by mollisia

Hello,

just a short remark (but I might answer longer tomorrow ):

I'm well aware that what I wrote about introducing fungi somewhere is a bit provocational and overdosed. But there is a piece of truth in it nevertheless (-> Melanies contribution about Amanita muscaria ...).

best regards,
Andreas

I understood the message you were saying Andreas, and I did not think what you said was provocative, but it was certainly thought provoking and the contribution from Melanie supports what you are saying - I even printed it out so that I can read it more thoroughly.

We all look forward to anything you have to say Andreas.

Neil.

[wilippa]

Neil, I certainly didn't mean to start World War III, or even 111. And JAJ, there are no small children, or pets, in my house (unless you count next door's cats but they have access to the tree outdoors anyway).
Still, the tree probably won't mind staying out this Christmas anyway (it stays outside the rest of the year round and seems perfectly happy). I get the impression it may secretly dislike the garishness of being bedecked in sparkly tinsel and dangly baubles!