Shaggy Parasol Macrolepiota rhacodes, rather shrunken but recognisable, and too dry
even for the maggots!
Giant Bracket Meripilus giganteus, in light orange/ochre layers on another dead fallen
tree.
Bay Polypore Polyporus durus, lots on a couple of old fallen trees, conspicuous with
their bay or chestnut-coloured caps.
Dryad's Saddle Polyporus squamosus two clusters found, rather old and sagging on
standing Ash trees.
Dead Man's Fingers Xylaria polymorpha, looking just like black shrunken fingers, on
old fallen tree.
On one dead log was a damp patch of the salmon-pink blobs of Lycogala terrestre,
which is a type of Slime-mould, in the group called Myxomycetes. The life cycle of
these fascinating organisms was briefly explained.
A total of 12 species were found during the morning, which was quite good considering
the very dry conditions. Thanks go to Steve Mitchell for his help and encouragement.
Fungus Foray in Chelmsford churchyards on 1st November 2003
Tony Boniface 40 Pentland Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 4AZ
Mary Smith 33 Gaynes Park Road, Upminster, Essex RM14 2HJ
Last year was a poor fungus season but this year was even worse with a longer period
of drought, which was coupled with cold nights when the rain eventually fell. The day
of this foray was pleasant enough but an insufficient period of warmth and wetness had
elapsed for much growth to have occurred. Only eight species were found in Fryerning
Churchyard, and the waxcaps were entirely absent. Three species of bolete were found
however; Suillus granulatus or Granulate Bolete in its usual site under pine with its
drops of milky latex on the pores; Leccinum variicolor or Mottled Bolete was located
in a grave near the row of large birches bordering a path. This produced an intense blue
colour on cutting and scraping the stalk, which slowly darkened overnight. It was a
new record for Fryerning Churchyard and outside Epping Forest it has only been found
in three locations. The last of the boletes was Xerocomus chrysenteron or Red-cracking
Bolete with its layer of red pigmentation beneath the cuticle of the cap. No dots of
carrot-orange flesh were present in the base of the stem which ruled out Xerocomus
communis. The grassland was barren and the remaining species were growing on wood.
These included Armillaria mellea agg or Honey Fungus, Laetipoi-us sulphureus or
Chicken of the Woods on the same Yew tree as last year, Heterobasidion annosum or
Root Fomes on the site of a buried pine stump, Pleurotus pulmonarius or Pallid Oyster,
and Mycena filopes or Iodoform Bonnet, which, however, lacked the smell which gives
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 43, January 2004
19