Disc Fungi
Disc fungi are a unique group of fungi which you really need to look quite closely to even find. Generally around the size of a thumb tack (or smaller) and coming in many different colours – including green and a browny black, I often wonder to myself how on earth I actually spotted that…
Really nice (and easy to spot!) white disc fungi contrasting with the earth tones of the forest. Must be a white Hymenoscyphus according to Tasfungi. This ones from the Styx.
Another white disc fungi, this time from Mt Field
Green disks on a fallen log in the Huon Valley Grove of the Giants. Chlorencoelia versiformis perhaps.
Green disks on a fallen log in the Huon Valley Grove of the Giants. Chlorencoelia versiformis perhaps.
Blue discs, from the Tarkine. Must be a Chlorociboria aeruginascens I hear you say and you may just well be right.
More chlorociboria aeruginascens, Tarkine
More Chlorociboria aeruginascens, Tarkine
Nice orange discs, from the forest around St Columba Falls. Maybe Discinella terrestris
Brownish discs again at St Columba Falls. Could be Lanzia lanaripes but perhaps those are blacker…
Eyelash fungi – orange discs, or Scutellinia scutellata as his mum calls him when he’s in trouble. On kunanyi/Mt Wellington.
Not all discs are flat, and the category includes this purple jellydisc – Ascocoryne sarcoides. They look like little jelly lollies and tempting enough to taste (disclaimer – DON’T!).
Most of these shots were taken earlier this year all across Tasmania. Spring is here now and there is likely to be less fungi around now although the brilliant pink Hygrocybe cheeli should be starting to make an appearance. On a day trip down the Styx Valley recently I found the Sassafras flowers already covering the forest floor, earlier than usual and another hint of the warm spring and summer to come soon.
