Funny, Funky Fungi with the Seed Cellar

Introduction

While often misunderstood and feared, mushrooms play a vital role in our ecosystem. Think of these mysterious organisms as the bridge between life and death, a recycler of the world, an ancient healer, a gourmet meal, a silent assassin; the list can go on and on. In this blog, I want to highlight some funny, funky fungi in order to bring more curiosity to an already curious subject.

Fungi are a unique organism that are not quite plants, bacteria, or even animals. While plants are cultivated using seeds, a fungi drops its genetic material using microscopic spores. With the help of mother nature and the animal kingdom, mushroom spores are dispersed throughout the environment. As spores travel, they have the possibility to land on life-sustaining material and begin their fruiting journey!

Aborted Entoloma

Entoloma abortivum – These mushrooms are among the edible variety and are also known as the Shrimp of the Woods. With the exception of Antarctica, this yummy white globular mushroom can be found on any continent in the world.  There is no mistaking this mushroom due to unique puffy characteristics given by its parasitic nature. Once believed to be a victim of a parasitic attack from the Armillaria mushroom species, foragers and scientists have shifted their view to both species acting parasitic to one another.

Bird’s Nest Fungi

Nidulariaceae – Within this fungi family, five varieties exist globally. Each species of the Bird’s Nest Fungi take on the appearance of small nests containing bird’s “eggs” inside, but display different characteristics. These funky fungi are commonly found in gardens or wood chipped areas due to the secretion of digestive enzymes used to degrade wood and plant materials for food. Flemish botanist, Carolus Clusius, first mentioned this fungi family in 1601 and have been examined multiple times throughout history.

Species of Bird’s Nest Fungi Found Globally:

• • Crucibulum – Cup shaped mushrooms that have a earthy hue ranging from tan to brownish-orange. These are not considered edible, although no poisonous compounds have been discovered.
  • Cyathus – A brown to gray-brown hued species that are covered in small hairs. These mushrooms are typically shaped like vases, urns, or the bells of a trumpet. While not considered edible, many cultures harvest this species for a variety of uses.
  • Mycocalia – Not much research has been gathered on this variety of Bird’s Nest Fungi in terms of edibility or uses. But, they can be described as small, barrel-to lens-shaped mushrooms.
  • Nidula – A species that can be found in a variety of hues such as: white, gray, brown, yellow, or orange. This mushroom can be found shaped as a cup or an urn.
  • Nidularia – This species are irregular shaped in terms of other Bird’s Nest Fungus varieties. Their appearance almost resembles broken chicken eggs in terms of their fruiting structures.

Cat’s Tongue

Pseudohydnum gelatinosum – Originally named Hydnum gelatinosum by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli in 1772, the Cat’s Tongue is a very interesting variety of mushroom. Typically found around dead wooded areas, these fungi are; small, translucent, gelatinous, and tongue shaped in appearance. The underside of this fungi contains incredibly small teeth that resembles the texture a a cat’s tongue. This interesting touch sensation allows foragers of all ages to experience a wildly unique experience while in nature. But, similarly to many other jelly fungi varieties, this mushroom shrivels up in dry weather and revives itself once moisture is reintroduced to the air to induce spore dispersal.

Although many people don’t bother harvesting this species for food due to its small size, it is edible and can create fun dishes! There have been recipes including this fungi in salads, ice creams, or solo with sweet and savory toppings. It is noted this fungi assists the bodies immune system.

The Cat’s Tongue fungi is the only jelly mushroom with small, teeth-like, structures on the underside of the cap. Neat!

Devil’s Fingers

Clathrus archeri – Devil’s Fingers are the perfect all natural Halloween decor to top off a spooky yard. Also known as the Octopus Stinkhorn, this fungi is a rotten egg-shaped nightmare with pinkish-red tentacles protruding from the base. Accompanying the unnerving look of these mushrooms is a terrible rotting stench that attracts local insects. The Devil’s Fingers spores will attach to the insects and will be distributed throughout nature according to the insects future travels.

These mushrooms can be located in most parts of the globe in places such as gardens or decaying vegetation. Foragers or gardeners can typically expect to find these freighting looking fungi between June and September. Like many mushrooms in the wild, these one are not edible; if the rotten smell and tentacle-like looks weren’t enough say “stay away”.

Too Many Mushrooms, Not Enough Space!

There are just too many wacky and wild fungi out there, it’s just too much information for one page! Stay on the look out as I dive into more funny, funky fungi in future blog posts.