I was late planting tomatoes this year. There’s been a lot of rain, which I thought they’d appreciate, but they seem to be afflicted with some kind of fungus, most likely “early blight”. The remedy for all the fungal afflictions seems to be the same, a copper-based spray applied every 7 to 10 days. Continuing research over here …
Some quick sketches done while tagging along on a hike with the latest docent class at Malibu Creek State Park.
We have saffron milkcaps galore! Are they edible? Yes, but … it’s complicated. Our local ones may or may not be delicious. Please don’t eat foraged mushrooms unless you‘ve received expert instruction!
Easy section this time, in one of my favourite parts of Malibu Creek State Park. It was fun to see thousands of acorns sprouting on the forest floor, even knowing that only the slimmest fraction of them will grow into trees.
The widespread Schizophyllum genus contains six wood-rotting species. Schizophyllum mycelium only needs to generate one set of fruiting bodies per year. Unlike some mushroom species, split gill fungi have the ability to dry out and rehydrate, allowing them to open and close numerous times throughout a growing season. This is an excellent adaptation for climates with sporadic rainfall, and surely contributes to their success.
The Backbone adventure proceeds apace. Five sections down, eight to go. This section is particularly enjoyable, with spectacular rock formations and awesome views. And, at this time of year, lots of fungi!
I was sketching this hefty orange mushroom when a guy came along the trail and told me it was a Russula species, probably Russula cremoricolor. He’d taken a little nibble from it when he had passed earlier. Allegedly, for this genus, if it doesn’t taste spicy, it’s edible. I didn’t try it myself.
At the end of the hike, there he was again at the trailhead, sitting in a camp chair by his car, enjoying a snack. He pulled out a big bag of chanterelles that he had gathered on the trail, and offered me a couple to bring home, which I gladly did. He offered advice on how to clean and cook them, which I’m about to do now. Mmmmmmushrooms.
I think this is Coprinus comatus, the shaggy mane (US) or shaggy ink cap (British) mushroom. It gets its common name from the scales that flare down and out on the entire cap. The scales are white, sometimes becoming brown at the tip. As the mushroom grows older, the cap begins to flare out a little on the bottom. Eventually, it deliquesces (appears to melt) into an inky, black liquid. Only the stem is left behind.
Stereum species are wood decay fungi with simple, shelving fruiting bodies. Common names for species of this genus include leaf fungus, wax fungus, and shelf fungus. This one might be Stereum ostrea, also called false turkey-tail.
Found this chewed fungus in the middle of a track at the Park; left by whom, I wonder? I think it’s an earth ball, Scleroderma verrucosum, but I am no mycologist.
Last day of Wild Wonder was a doozy. I especially liked learning more about scavengers, detritivores and decomposers from Robin Lee Carlson. I feel chock full of learning, inspiration, and screen overload. Time to get outside!!
hashiworks 