Riddells Creek - Fungi / Mushrooms
(below are 1-2 examples of each 'type' - click on the name to see more of that type of fungi)
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Fungi live in soil and on other living organisms. Unlike plants, they do not contain chorophyll and do not
use photosynthesis.
Underground they form a sometimes massive, spreading web-like stucture called the mycelium. Reproduction is via spores
carried in the fruiing bodies which are usually seen above-ground as fungi, mushrooms, yeasts, moulds, etc. They are one of
the least known of our 'common' life forms and it is estimated that less than 5% of fungi species have been discovered/
described. Fungi are one the most important decomposers of organic matter and they also form symbiotic (mycorrhizal)
relationships with plants. This relationship is thought to be a reason why many plants are difficult/impossible to propagate,
with the hypothesis that the fungi is required to propagate the plant because it helps the plant with nutrient uptake and
antibiotic protection from diseases.
Don't eat any fungi/mushrooms growing in the ground. Many are extremely poisonous.
Never pick mushrooms for
eating from fields or gardens. There is no easy way to identify which mushrooms contain toxins and there have
been many cases of unintentional poisoning from hand-gathered mushrooms served as part of a meal.
First Aid for poisonings by plants or fungi.
More about Australian fungi/mushrooms.
A good book on Australian fungi is "A Field Guide to Australian Fungi" by Bruce Fuhrer.
If you see Fungi in Riddells Creek that's not on this list please let us know
... we'd love to
add it to our list. Even better if you have a picture send it to us. All photos on this website
are from Riddells Creek.