It's Fungi Time

[Geoff F]

It is approaching that time of the year when, in northern countries, fungi are popping up.

Beefsteak Fungus - Fistulina hepatica



Coriolus zonata probably



Ganoderma adspersum



Scleroderma areolatum



I've tried to find something different from the 'normal' mushroom type of fungi.

I see Brian has uploaded some fungi photos. Anybody else have any to show?

[Shadowman]

Nice colors and textures.

[JBW]

With all the rain we are getting there may be more from me.

[Nicks Pics]

I second that about fungi season. They are not only abundant outdoors, but also here therefore Most colorful bunch of photos you have captured of them.

[IzzieK]

I used to have some fungi shots before but I got sick of photographing them because all of them that I took are the boring kind...but I love #1 -- beefsteaks tomatoes are considered large, so does beefsteak mushrooms big?

[Geoff F]

Fungi tend to be difficult to photograph because many of the more interesting species are found in rather dark and difficult locations. Flash, particularly single on the camera flash, can cause more problems than it solves. So the only other answer is a long exposure. Doing a Custom White Balance beforehand can be handy but the colours are often rather muted.

That Beefsteak Fungus was certainly big; around 14 inches across and has the appearance of beef. The word Beefsteak certainly seems to imply large, but that is probably more relevant in countries like America where they have large steaks, unlike the UK etc. For me, a typical beefsteak portion would be around 4 ozs.

[Wavelength]

Nice collection...Can you recognize which are edible? i like mushroom preparations... it is vegetable meet

[Geoff F]

Most of the wide range of English fungi are inedible; and some are seriously poisonous. It needs a certain identification from a good reference book before trying any of the less common varieties.

The Beefsteak Fungus is edible although rather acidic. Apparently it causes staining of the wood but that was/is sought after by some cabinet makers etc.

I tend to get a bad reaction with all mushrooms, except the common cultivated form, so I just photograph them.