Please identify my fungi - is it harmful?

[wilippa]

I have a small potted christmas tree and have just spotted these mushroom/toadstool things in its pot.
Are they dangerous to the tree?
Does anyone know what they are?
How do I remove them without hurting my precious Christmas tree?
Please help! I don't want my tree to die. I'm no gardener but it looks fairly heathy. I just don't know what's below the soil and don't want to dig these up if that would cause more damage.

[fairplay]

Them things be good fer yer tree

No, leave them as they are Wilippa, they are not doing any harm.
They could be a type of Gallerina species which are extremely difficult to identify, and I expect they are feeding on the dead organic matter already in that peat based (probably) soil.
If anything, they will be making more nutrients available for the tree.

Neil.

[wilippa]

Thank you Neil. I'll leave them be... but I think the tree will be staying outside this Christmas. I don't fancy bringing the fungi into the house!

[fairplay]

Why ever not ? I think they look rather pretty and help add to the winter celebrations, but then again they will probably last longer outside anyway.

Neil.

P.S. Just out of interest, do you have a phobia about fungi or do you just think as they become old they may become smelly or something like that ?

[wilippa]

I don't really have a phobia of anything. I just don't especially want something associated with decay in the house. Also, won't they release spores? The idea of that is not particularly appealing either. I can't say I know much about fungi and I don't really trust anything I'm ignorant about.
But I agree, they are rather pretty.

Actually, it's fair to say, I'm not a fan of fungi. I don't even eat mushrooms. Never liked the taste!

[fairplay]

You breath in fungal spores every time you step outside your front door and more than likely, if you wash your face with a wet flannel. They could be lurking in the soap dispenser in your washing machine or anywhere else in the house which is constantly damp such as the toilet cistern.
Only a heavy smoker need worry or somebody with a reduced immunity system, as the enzymes in your body should normally destroy the spores.

Instead of looking upon fungi as causers of decay, look upon them also as providing life as the majority of plants have some sort of symbiotic relationship with fungi and most would not flourish without their fungal partner feeding nutrients to their roots unseen.

Neil.

[wilippa]

That's very life-affirming, but I'm still not bringing them into the house!

[BROCSMAN]

Originally Posted by wilippa

I just don't especially want something associated with decay in the house.

I hope you won't take offence, but do you allow your partner and/or family into the house? I imagine that on Christmas Day they will be accelerating the decay of a turkey, some potatoes, sprouts and stuffing.

I think it's called life!

[JAJ]

Originally Posted by wilippa

How do I remove them without hurting my precious Christmas tree?

Hi
Remove the top few inches of soil and replace with potting compost. and cover with sand. Merry Christmas

[fairplay]

Originally Posted by JAJ

Hi
Remove the top few inches of soil and replace with potting compost. and cover with sand. Merry Christmas

Was it really necessary to come in with that comment JAJ or should I ask you why do you really bother to join the fungus forum ?
If this sounds like I am angry - I AM.

Neil.

And perhaps you should take heed of your slogan at the bottom re: Respect nature ...