The heavy rain in September, has precipitated the first of the autumnal mushrooms to emerge. Fly Agaric are perhaps the most familiar. They are often pictured in cartoon fashion as having red caps with white spots but the spots are not actually part of the cap. They are fragments of the egg-shaped case that protected the developing mushroom. Look for them at Sculpture by the lakes under the most mature silver birches because they have a symbiotic relationship with these trees. The mycelium web of microscopic hyphae, from which the mushroom grows form a close association with the tree roots creating a massive surface area with which to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. In return the tree provides sugars generated by photosynthesis.
Eighty-five percent of plants are believed to have relationships with fungi that are often essential in order to thrive. However, not all fungi need plants. Some are saprophytes that break down organic matter. This is probably what is happening in the Giant Redwood bed at the far end of the riverside drive. Three species of fungi were spectacularly fruiting at once in September, probably encouraged by the mulch we use on our beds as a weed suppressor.
If you would like to know more about fungi, then come along and meet an expert on one of our Fungi workshops in November.