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blue tier, tasmania: fungi

Blue Tier fungi
Random image of Blue Tier fungi

This is an introduction to some fungi found on the Blue Tier of Tasmania. We make no claim other than having taken reasonable care to try identify some of them to genera level.
Identification of Australian fungi is far from complete and it is possible that some of the images depict close but as yet undescribed species. Please use links and literature at bottom of page to persue this subject further.

We have included some images, especially of mushrooms and toadstools, that we have not been able to identify with reasonable certitude - this is merely to showcase the abundant diversity to be found growing here.

Best time to view fungi on the Blue Tier is from autumn to mid-winter. Most of the species may be found growing beside the many walking tracks - many are no further away from the edges of drivable roadsides. We have found the tracks to Mt. Michael and Halls Falls particularly rich in fungal life.

Fuhrer's grouping (see reference below) has been modified here for convenience - it is likely this will evolve as we get to understand the subject better. Square brackets e.g. '[F36]' is page reference to Fuhrer's book which we have found invaluable in identifying species.

Friends of the Blue Tier are grateful to Sarah Lloyd for help in identifying specimens. She has provided many of the images as well.

ASCOMYCOTA

Cup fungi and relatives - thumbnails (120kB)

This group contains some rather strange members; Cordyceps parasitise on specific caterpillars with the fruiting body growing from the head of the dead caterpillar. None look like the familiar mushroom.

Unidentified:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

BASIDIOMYCOTA

Agarics, Paxillus and their allies - thumbnails (160kB)

This group contains the typical mushroom and toadstool with rather delicate stem and cap and are short-lived; easily the most beautiful of the groups.

We have a page of thumbnails for Unidentified agarics (110kB)

Boletus and Allies Group

Resembles the common mushroom but are usually much more substantial, with pores on lower surface instead of gills.

Unidentified:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Woody pore-fungi, bracket-fungi and shelf-fungi - thumbnails (75kB)

Usually found growing as parasites or saprophytes on trees and fallen limbs; they are much more persistent and some may live for several years.

Unidentified:
1

Puffballs (including earthstars and earthballs)

Usually found growing on the ground, these release 'puffs' of spore upon maturity.

Unidentified:
1 | 2 | 3

Underground or truffle-like fungi

Usually occuring at or below ground surface, these are usually eaten by birds or animals which then disseminate the spores.

Unidentified:
1 | 2

Spine Fungi - thumbnails (45kB)

This group has distinctive spines either on the surface or on the underside.

Jelly Fungi - thumbnails (75kB)

Saprobes on moist wood, these tend to be smallish, sometimes with convoluted forms.

Unidentified:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Coral fungi - thumbnails (110kB)

Range from fairly simple rods to elaborate coral-like structures growing on the ground as well as on fallen treetrunks.

Unidentified:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Miscellaneous

Temporary grouping to contain members that do not fit into the other categories:

1 Omphalina chromacea has now been reclassified Lichenomphalina chromacea in recognition of it being a lichenous fruiting body

Web:
ANBG (Australian National Botanic Gardens) website has a section on fungus including a comprehensive list of other sources of information.

Identifying and recording observations of fungi in Australia - Fungimap Inc.

CSIRO's Fungibank has many pages of basic information including re-vegetation with fungi

Sydney Fungal Studies Group has many images and articles on the subject

Bryce Kendrick has placed several chapters of The Fifth Kingdom online

Mycoweb has a wealth of information on all aspects of fungi from an American perspective

Although written in the North American context Mushroom expert is a valuable resource for detailed information on some of the species.

Rogers Mushrooms has an extensive collection of North American and European fungi images

Koukichi Maruyama's Wild Mushrooms From Tokyo has a large collection of images

Bill Leithhead maintains a section on Australian fungi images

The Japanese Society for Cordyceps Research has an extensive set of images on the subject

Literature:
Fuhrer, B., A Field Guide to Australian Fungi, Bloomings Books Pty Ltd (May 2005) ISBN-10: 1876473517
Young, A. M. & Smith, K., A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia, 2005

Page URL: http://www.bluetier.org/nature/fungi.htm

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