Can Anyone ID This

[John 2]

Came across this yesterday but having scoured the internet and my reference books, I cannot put a name to it. Can anyone help?

[FlyingSquirrel]

Sorry I cannot ID it, but I can tell you that fungi identification is extremely difficult via a single photograph such as this. Some fungi can only be ID'd by inspecting the gills or other structural elements, and often with a magnifier and/or microscope. You're best bet would be to contact a mycologist or someone on a mushroom forum or something. Good luck.

[Geoff F]

I'm just learning fungi identification so I don't immediately recognise it.

But go to this site http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/

Then find the Fungi Forum where someone will help you. They have always been successful at identification from my fungi photos.

Can often be tricky for a full identification (much like some insects etc) from photos but they will manage a partial identification at least.

[John 2]

Thanks Matt. Geoff, I might try that, thanks. Sorry for the late reply. We've been away in the Lake District for a few days in the hope of some Autumn colours. Failed miserably. Things seem to be running about two weeks late. Might go up for a day next week if the expected storms haven't stripped the trees.

[Brownbear]

No, but I think it is a beautiful photo....

[AB26]

Yes John, that looks like my wife, very pretty but extremely poisonous.

[Wavelength]

Beautiful

[Geoff F]

I'm signed up for a fungi identification course next week; so I might know a bit more afterwards.

However, just skipping through my latest fungi ID book (400 pages for £2 at a charity shop) it does look roughly like some of the Thelephoraceae and in particular Thelephora terrestris.

That is relatively common at this time of the year.

Just a guess though.

[John 2]

Thank you Christina. It fascinated me not least because of the size of it. I haven't managed to show that here but the clump is about the size of a small tea tray- the sort of thing you find for carrying drinks in a bar.

Andre, all the best things in life generally are - they tell me.

Thank you Nandakumar.

Thanks Geoff. I will research further. A man after my own heart. Charity shops can occasionally throw up some gems, particularly in books but recently my local shop had a complete Olympus OM outfit in the window (camera +3 lenses) for £15. I hesitated too long and it went. Enjoy your course.

[James G]

John,

I'm no expert, And I'm guessing that Geoff has a more comprehensive book than mine but, it looks a bit like Armillaria (species), and is well developed and quite aged. Beautiful though
http://fungiworld.co.uk/browse1.htm .... plate 20?

It is hideously difficult identifying fungi as an amateur (photographer).
I've spent the last 4-6 weeks combing through local fields and woods and have become totally frustrated trying to name the blighters and am nowhere near being certain about those I have put a name to

I think part of the problem is that certainty is only possible for many of them, if you are willing to dig/cut them up, generate spore patterns, inspect gills, and microscopically examine the spores etc.

Add to that that you need to really get down, (and dirty,) for some of them....

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/raq5id8csp38ftg/L6lgg89b29

I'm hoping to find a few more before the weather turns completely.....

[John 2]

James, I think that you are on the right track although which of the many similar varieties it is, is beyond me. I'm going cross eyed. It might be Armillaria nabsnona. Found an image on Google in which the more mature elements come close. Thanks for the input.