Fascinating Fungi at Rowallane Garden this autumn

Take a walk through Rowallane Garden and you'll uncover a broad range of weird and wonderful fungi. Most of the time, the fungus is hidden from view because it is growing through the soil, under fallen logs or decaying plants. When conditions are just right, which might be once or twice a year, the fungus can form together to create the fruit body of the fungus that we see. These fruit bodies are the fruits of the fungus - just like apples are the fruits of an apple tree.

'Coprinopsis Armamentaria'  AKA Ink Cap

Look out for the 'Coprinopsis armamentaria', a tall fungus, commonly known as an 'Ink Cap'. These clusters of mushrooms rise after rainfall from spring to autumn. The grey-brown cap is initially bell-shaped before opening, after which, it flattens and disintegrates. Coprinopsis Armamentaria is also known as 'Tipplers Bane'. It receives this name as when consumed within 48 hours of alcohol results in a 'disulfiram syndrome'. Symptoms include facial reddening, nausea, vomiting, malaise, agitation, palpitations and tingling in limbs, myocardial infarction (a heart attack). To avoid this tipplers trap, please do not eat any of our fungi.

 'Sparassis Crispa' AKA Cauliflower Fungus.

Our head gardener Averil, examines the Cauliflower Fungus and uses it as a way to measure the health of the tree, 'This is a brown rotter. This will feed on the brown tissue in the tree. Sometimes it feeds on roots, and this can be an indication that your roots are compromised'. The gardening team are currently keeping an eye on the fungi.

'Ganoderma'  AKA shelf mushrooms