The Fungi and Forage Company

08/03/2021

Finally got around to trying Macrolepiota dolichaula. These gorgeous mushrooms grow widely and tend to be found in grassland and pasture during the warmer months.

Texture wise this was definitely one of, if not the nicest species of mushroom I've eaten. And the flavour is lovely too, absolutely packed with umami. Cooked by simmering in a little water with butter until the water boils off and the mushroom caramelises.

Not to be confused with the toxic Chlorophyllum molybdites, which has green spores at maturity.

21/03/2020

Craterellus cornucopioides (Black trumpet).

Subtropical rainforest habitat, on path edges.

Mid-North coast NSW.

Some huge ones (up to 70mm tall and 70mm across) and some babies.

Probably my favourite edible species so far. Very strong odour and flavour which makes them suitable for use like truffles.

Apologies for the poor lighting

09/10/2019

Found just NNE of Armidale NSW in an area ravaged by the recent bushfires.

This may well be L. hartmannii. The closely related L. mylittae is known as "native bread" for the large, edible, tuberous sclerotia it forms which was eaten by Indigenous Australians.

This species forms a pseudosclerotia from which it grows after fire. The chunks of what appear to be dirt in the pictures are heavily laced with dense mycelium. While this species may also be edible, it did not seem in any way palatable.

A very interesting find, and seeing the path of destruction left by the bushfires was an eye opening experience.

03/10/2019

This beautiful fungi contains trichothocene toxins that result in horrible poisoning when eaten.

Systemic toxicity through the skin is not a concern.

The discovery of this fungi in Cairns is a great demonstration of the potential importance of citizen science and making records of your discoveries on websites like MushroomObserver and FungiSight.

There are so many unknown fungi in Australia, the chances of us finding something new or in an unexpected place is high.

Poison fire coral, the only known fungus whose toxins are absorbed through the skin, found on the outskirts of Cairns

21/07/2019

Ileodictyon cibarium - Basket fungus.

These crazy things popped up in my backyard, which made me rather pleased because I've been keen to find one since I first saw them

They hatch from an egg like all stinkhorn fungi. The second picture shows one still inside the egg with the outer "shell" partly removed. They can be under a bit of pressure in there and when I poked one with a gardening knife it sprung out.

They are coated in a slimy liquid which carries their spores, appearing drab olive-green.

Just another great demonstration of the wonderfully weird world of fungi.

28/05/2019

Had an absolutely delicious pastry selection at Bread & Bowl in Berrima on the way home from our last group.

Best savoury and sweet pastries I've had in many years, you just don't find delicious homemade pastry like that anymore.

Also dropped off some Lactarius deliciosus on the way.

If you are passing through that way, or looking for a nice weekend trip from Sydney, head down to Bread and Bowl Berrima for a delicious meal and friendly, real service.

21/05/2019

Found in Beech forest at Point Lookout between Ebor and Armidale, NSW. One of two similar sized specimens I found.

This is a smallish mushroom, this specimen was around 5cm across and 3 or 4cm tall.

The pileus has a central depression that was actually open to the hollow of the stipe.

The pileus is tan-brown. Stipe is cream. Hymenophore consists of teeth, which are also a cream colour. Their attachment is close to free.

Interesting to note that I have found Hydnum species before in Victoria but they were always tiny with a maximum cap diameter of 1-1.5cm. Not substantial enough to warrant trying to cook up. I did find one of these specimens up in that area as well. I do wonder if they are actually a different species.

I initially thought these were Hydnum repandum, but someone suggested Hydnum rufescens which have a darker pileus, more regular shape, and are somewhat smaller than H. repandum. They have been recorded in WA and I believe that is more likely what this specimen is. The other one I found which was more irregular and somewhat larger with the typical cream coloured pileus I am confident is H. repandum.

I'm looking forward to trying these at the table.

21/05/2019

Found in subtropical rainforest habitat close to sea level in Coffs Harbour.

Growing from the dirt and moss at the base of a strangler fig root. Mixed native species nearby.

Solitary, about 10cm tall and 3 across. Reasonably flat cap with slightly inrolled margin. Decurrent, interconnecting false-gills. Colours as shown in the close-ups. No fruity odour like some species in the genus.

20/05/2019

Another beautiful and unique fungi ticked off the list.

Found Thursday, May 16.

Growing from a piece of cut wood on the ground. Not yet heavily decayed. Unknown what species of substrate.

In subtropical rainforest, following recent rain. Close to sea level.

These are an amazing looking fungi with a similar feel to some of the coral fungi.

It has a white spore print and is made up of thick "branches" that originate from a base on the substrate, hanging from which are thin tendrils.

Members of this genus are purported to have medicinal benefits, particularly in terms of neurogenic and cognitive benefits.

They are also sought after for flavour and texture. Both said to be reminiscent of crab meat.

I'm looking forward to eating it tonight and am hoping I can get it started on agar this week as well.

When it starts discolouring (tanned to brown) and becoming softer is is getting past prime.

It has kept very well in a container in the fridge.

13/05/2019

Had a great day walking around the magical bushland inland of Coffs Harbour. First I ticked one of my longstanding target species courtesy of a friend who's been showing me around.

Then we headed to a historic mining site Ive walked around before, only to find another patch of the same species!

Unfortunately we missed a substantial flush by a couple of days and there were more rotting specimens than fresh, but enough for me to try.

These are the highly sought after Craterellus cornucopioides (black trumpet) or something very closely related.

Unfortunately we both brought cameras without SD cards so I only snapped this one.

Found on mossy, rocky creek banks in sandy soil. Subtropical rainforest habitat. Mixed native trees (unfortunately was too excited to take note of specific species!).

And this has to be one of the nicest edibles I've tried. Incredibly strong odour and flavour. Perfect crumbled over something for flavour as they are a bit overwhelming on their own. Next time I will infuse oil with them.

We've had some more rain today so hopefully the next few days will be, well, fruitful.