Fungi of Ireland

Ireland Post has chosen the subject for 2008 flora-fauna stamp to be issued is Fungi. They issued four stamps, one in souvenir sheet and others in single forms on August 1, 2008. Illustrated by Ian Loe, each of the four stamps features a species of fungus found in Ireland, such as: the Pink Waxcap (Hygrocybe calyptriformis), the Parasol (Macrolepiota procera), the Orange Birch Bolete (Leccinum versipelle) and the Scarlet Elfcup (Sacoscypha austriaca).

The parasol (Macrolepiota procera) is a basidiomycete fungus with a large, prominent fruiting body resembling a lady's parasol. The parasol (Macrolepiota procera) is a striking, elegant mushroom reaching height of 40 cm with caps expanded to 25 cm. It is found solitary or in groups and fairy rings in pastures and occasionally in woodland. 

Globally, it is widespread in temperate regions.It is an excellent edible fungus but needs to be distinguished from its look-alike, the Shaggy Parasol, to which some individuals are allergic.

Wildflower of Ireland

Ireland Post issued the sixth definitive stamp series of Wildflowers of Ireland on March 1, 2007. The issue comprises of four postage stamps with denomination value 3c, 55c, 78c, and 95c. 

The species of wildflower depicted  are Yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) on the 3c stamp,  Large-flowered butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora) on the 55 c stamp, Black bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans) on the 78 c stamp, Lythrum salicaria (Purple loosestrife) on the 95 c stamp.

Yellow flag or Iris pseudacorus is an herbaceous flowering perennial plant, native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa, growing to 1-1.5 m (or a rare 2 m) tall, with erect leaves up to 90 cm long and 3 cm broad. The flowers are bright yellow, 7-10 cm across, with the typical iris form.

The fruit is a dry capsule 4-7 cm long, containing numerous pale brown seeds. Yellow flag is a species in the genus Iris, of the family Iridaceae.