The gasteroid fungi of Essex
and was apparently found in Epping Forest according to Pearson (1938). However no voucher
material or other evidence to support Illis claim lias yet been traced.
76 AP.
Pisolithus arhizus Dyeball (see Plate 9)
Distribution 3 : 6
The fungal threads of this fungus are yellow. The spore-producing region is divided into many
compartments, which are very gelatinous when young, and easily visible in section. It was recorded
in Epping Forest according to Pearson (1938), but no evidence has yet been found in support of this
claim. Elsewhere in Britain it has been found in association with pine and other trees, and is probably-
spreading. (I have found it in Spain with Cistus ladanifer).
76 AP.
Astraeus hygrometricus Barometer Earthstar
Distribution 1:2:3:4:5:6
The outer covering splits more than halfway into 7-13 rays which arch downwards strongly when
damp.
It is often found in nutrient-poor, sandy soil, and can occur in wooded areas in association with
various trees. Again it is one of the mysterious records in Epping Forest given by Pearson (1938),
with no supporting evidence of its occurrence yet discovered.
76 AP.
Tulostoma Tissue below spore-sac is not spongy or is absent. It has a slender, woody stalk.
Tulostoma brumale Winter Stalk Puffball
Distribution 1:2:3:4:5:6
The fungal threads with thick walls found in the spore-producing region have deeply pigmented
cross-walls. These threads are expanded at the cross-walls. The spore-sac is supported on a stalk
about 2-3 cm high. Pearson (1938) recorded it in Epping Forest. This record is presumably the one
from Whipps Cross on old walls in 1849. This specimen is now located in the Kew herbarium.
(Spooner, pers. comm.). It was found in 2003 in short, mossy turf on a sand bar at Colne Point
Nature Reserve in Essex.
76AP;80SW.
Queletia mirabilis Quelet's Stalk Puffball
Distribution 1 : 6
The fruiting body has a well-developed stalk covered with fibrous scales. The wall of the puffball
splits irregularly when ripe. The spores are covered in large warts. It is very rare and has only been
found on old tan bark. It has been recorded in Epping Forest according to Pearson (1938), but no
supporting evidence has as yet been traced to support this claim. Ramsbottom (1953) stated that it
was only known in seven localities:- four in France, one in the U.S.A. and two in England, one of
which was at Kew, after broken fragments of the fungus were emptied out of a window; the other
was from Barnsbury in London.
76 AP.
Battarraea Tissue below spore-sac is not spongy or is absent. It has a long, slender, woody stalk.
Battarraea phalloides Sandv7 Stilt Puffball
Distribution 1 : 4 : 5 ; 6
138
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 20 (2003)