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.

Fungi of Alderney

What most people want to know about any fungus is “Can I eat it?” . There is small group of poisonous fungi, of which only a few species will be fatal, and a larger group of edible fungi, some more delicious than others. Another group is “inedible” but is not poisonous.There is no easy test to discover the fungus is toxic or not.

There are around 300 different species of fungi in Alderney. Their majority are doing no harm as they decompose and recycle organic matter, and many are very beautiful in appearance.

Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) ,22p.

This fungi  has a sulphurous yellow cap and stem, but look underneath and the gills are a dull grey colour. It grows in clumps on dead tree stumps, and is rather toxic, though not deadly. Apparently, it tastes extremely bitter, which will hopefully put you off.

Orange Peel Fungus, Aleuria aurantia (27p),

This fungi belongs to a group called the”cup fungi”. Little orange saucer-shaped fruits  wood are found on damp, bare ground, such as little-used paths. The spores are released form the upper surface. It is not poisonous, but rather small, although it can occur in large numbers, and is used by some as a garnish, to add colour to a dish.

Shinning Ink Cap, Coprinus micaceus (36p),

A small golden-brown mushroom, often with glistening flecks on the cap. The gills beneath are dark purple-black, and the whole fungus eventually turns this colour as it rots away. It grows in clumps on dead wood, and is edible, but rather small, and tends to disintegrate in the pan.

Giant Puffball, Langermannia gigantea (40p).

This fungi is large white puff-ball can grow up to 80 cm in diameter. It occours mostly in grassland, sometimes hidden under nettles or brambles. It is quite common in Alderney, and is very good to eat, as long as it is still firm and  white inside. Slice it like a loaf of bread and fry.

Parasol, Macrolepiota procera (45p)

A tall cream to pale brown mushroom with a thick ring on the stem, and a flaky cap.It also grows in grassland, often near the coast, and on the cliffs in Alderney. The cap is excellent eating, the stem is a little coarse, but can be used in stock.

Candle Snuff Fungus, Xylaria hypoxylon (65p)

Black, cylindrical, anti-shaped fruit bodies with white tips, again growing on deadwood. This one belongs to the inedible group- it is almost as hard as wood. It can be found all the year round, and is very common.