The fungi of Fryerning Churchyard
Nomenclature follows that in Hansen & Knudsen (1992, 1997) but the list is in alphabetical order
for ease of access. Although nothing exceptionally rare lias been recorded there are several unusual
species and specific characteristics used in their identification are included in the text relating to
each. It should be borne in mind, though, that keys for many groups are regularly being revised and
updated in the light of increased knowledge about them. In the context of the following list, this has
particular relevance for the genus Russula. Radford, the principal key used by me, is now somewhat
out of date. Thus, I have included only those species for which it still appears to be valid. Finally,
I would like to thank Tony Boniface for reading through and commenting on the draft of this
article.
Abortiporus biennis: several found growing on the buried roots of a Silver Birch on 20.09.01.
Agaricus campestris Field Mushroom: occasional only - not enough surface manure!
Agaricus langei: this and the formerly separate A. haemorrhoidarius are treated as one species
by Nordic Macromycetes. Infrequent, but found from time to time growing under Scots Pine
and, on one occasion, Deodar Cedrus deodara.
Agaricus subperonatus: one only - a very large specimen found growing on a compost heap in
the conservation area on August 11th 1991. Reputed to smell like old socks when old - a fact
confirmed by four of my six volunteers!
Aleuria aurantia Orange Peel Peziza: 6-8 found growing together on 05.11.00 and a further five
in a different area exactly one year later.
Amanita muscaria Fly Agaric: this species appears to be the favourite seat of garden gnomes
throughout the land! Commonly recorded from the churchyard, often in considerable numbers.
usually under Silver Birch.
Amanita rubescens The Blusher: frequent, occasionally common, usually under birch.
Amanita spissa: a cluster of 5-6 were found growing under oak on 24.10.00.
Armillaria gallica: one on 01.11.00 and three widely scattered specimens on 24.10.01, all of
which appeared to be growing on buried roots.
Armillaria mellea Honey Fungus: all too common unfortunately!
Baeospora myosura: four found growing on Scots Pine cones on 02.01.96.
Bjerkandera adusta: recorded from the rotting stump of a Swedish Whitebeam Sorbus hybrida, in
January 2001.
Boletus rubellus (- versicolor): this beautiful bolete with a rosy-apple coloured cap was first
recorded on 13.09.95, when two were discovered growing under a hedgerow oak; this record
being followed by five more in the same area on 28.09.00.
Bovista plumbea: several specimens of this common grassland puffball were found in the
Victorian graveyard in both October 2000 and November 2001.
Calvatia utriformis: fairly frequent in one area of the Victorian churchyard, growing in short
grass close to the Deodar. Good to eat when young.
Camarophyllus pratensis: frequent, often common. The white form, var. pallidus (treated as a
separate species C. berkeleyi by some authors) occurs occasionally. One of my favourite
edible fungi.
Camarophyllus virgeneus (= niveus): very common most years.
Chroogomphus rutilus: first found in October 1997 and has reappeared each autumn since;
mycorrhizal with Scots Pine.
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Essex Naturalist (New Series) 19 (2002)