Did you know that there are probably more than 10,000 known Australian fungi – which can be found all around you – in the earth below, in the forest, in the garden, in the desert, the sea, your fridge, and your beer? I spent a fascinating day on Saturday in a workshop with local ecologist and photographer Alison Pouliot*, learning about and looking at fungi which thrive in our local area. There were about 20 participants, of all ages, some mainly interested in knowing which ones are edible, with others who were interested in knowing more about the various species, plus those who wanted to photograph and/or eventually draw them. To begin with we had a couple hours inside with Alison who gave us loads of information, showed numerous photos, and had collected hundreds of specimens which were displayed for our perusal, then after lunch, out into the Wombat State Forest nearby to search and identify fungi for ourselves.
We found edible ones, hallucinogenic ones, red, white, blue ones, many many little brown ones, several poisonous ones, and even one which glows in the dark. It was a wonderful day, and Alison was such a great teacher, and with such an extraordinary knowledge of her subject that I would have no hesitation in recommending the workshop to anyone who is curious about this amazing Kingdom Eumycorta.
Here are a few photos which I took in the forest – there are many more on Fractions in Time.
These all have long latin names……..which I do not yet know!
* I tried to attach a link to Alison’s name, but the web is not cooperating at present……. will check later and add it when possible.
