save the Blue Tier
unidentified fungi from the blue tier of tasmania
If we accept current belief that only 5-10% of an estimated quarter million species of Australian fungi have been described so far, chances are overwhelming that we would face difficulties identifying many of the specimens encountered. This page provides additional information on a peculiar colony of truffle-like fungi.
#80712P
2008/07/12 - Discovered by K. Jones growing on the Blue Tier at the border of mixed myrtle and eucalypt forest. Adjoining forest had been clear-felled in recent times but this area bordered a stream and had been left intact.
There were between 6-10 specimens of various sizes growing on a rotting log, largest estimated at 50 mm diameter down to smallest 10 mm wide. Initially we mistook it for a puffball but took a specimen back for further examination where sectioning revealed it resembled Rhizopogon luteolus which we had sectioned earlier.
We are not aware of any previous records of truffle-like fungi growing above ground or having rotting logs as substrate and consider this of interest to the fungi fraternity. While epigeous truffles may appear to be an anomaly we cannot see any reason why they need to grow underground - fruit is probably unattractive until mature and would not attract animals until then. Or it may use other means of spore dispersal.
2008/08/02 - We revisited the site 3 weeks later and found all the specimens had gone soft - squeezing one burst the skin open and revealed it had the texture of soft mashed potatoes.
 Largest specimen around 50 mm at widest |
 Smaller specimen before sectioning |
 Sectioned specimen measuring 33 mm at widest |
 Large specimen 3 weeks later |