MORE FUNGAL IGNORANCE

It would be nice to sound wise, to make a connection between fungi and the weather by saying "A conical cap is the most pronounced feature of mid-autumn toadstools. Its distinctive umbrella shape suits it to the constant drizzle and rain of an English November."

Or

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"A tower is a good defence against wet weather."

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Or "Rain runs off domes."

(Disgusting, isn't it? It's about a foot wide.)

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And this would sound good - if only I could say it with confidence . . .

"Woodland fungi are protected by their water repelling surface texture and by the remains of a leaf canopy so they can be flat(ish) without suffering damage from rain. "

I could go on to show how some toadstools use low growing plants as shelter.

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.But what of this one? It covers about three square feet and it's growing in the open. (I think it's one being rather than a group of individuals).

Is it dilapidated because it's old?

The ones which looked like this a couple of weeks ago

are certainly beyond their season now - in fact most of them have dissolved!

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But there were trees above this one until two years ago - maybe it's missing them? Perhaps it won't be here next year. Does it mind that mud is piling into its centres or isn't it that bothered?

I don't know. But I have noticed something odd. All these fungi are growing near cars. They are either beside roads, or at the edges of paths near where roads cross. (The exception is the one hiding under the ground elder.)

My sample is too small to be scientific - interesting though, init?

P.S. Please don't let anyone think I know what I'm talking about. I DON'T! A Double P.S. All these pictures were taken in the rain - so don't be disappointed with the ones which aren't as clear as the others. It's a wonder they came out at all. (It's a wonder my camera hasn't gone rusty!)

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