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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 representation 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.

For those not familiar with the Blue Tier this is temperate rain forest country, the upper reaches of which are partly covered in old growth Nothofagus cunninghami, Atherosperma moschatum and Plyllocladus asplenifolius as well as regeneration from bushfires and the ravages of human disturbance from a century ago. Dominant vegetation on the lower slopes range from Eucalyptus delegatensis and E. regnans down to E. obliqua and E. viminalis.

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 and encouraging the development of a natural history section for this site. She started the ball rolling with her book The Blue Tier - a natural history.

BASIDIOMYCOTA

Agarics, Paxillus and their allies

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.

Woody pore-fungi, bracket-fungi and shelf-fungi

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 |

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 |

Spine Fungi

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

Jelly Fungi

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

Unidentified:
1 | 2 |

Coral fungi

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 |

Miscellaneous

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

ASCOMYCOTA

Cup fungi and relatives

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 |

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

Fungimap is Melbourne Botanic Gardens' web section for fungi.

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

Sydney University has a good section on fungal biology.

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.

Koukichi Maruyama's Wild Mushrooms From Tokyo has a wide range of images

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

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