Bog
Beacon (Mitrula paludosa)
Early
spring and summer is the time to look for M. paludosa. This saprotrophic
[feeding on dead organic matter] earthtongue is usually found on the remains of
higher plants, mosses and algae in areas of seeping or standing water including
streams, ditches and pond margins. Although widespread in Britain it can be
difficult to find and is generally uncommon. Despite its bright yellow-orange
head and its gregarious behaviour, it is easily overlooked. You
will not find M. paludosa where the
habitat is unsuitable, but neither should you assume that where the habitat is
suitably boggy with plenty of decomposing vegetation it will appear - more often than not it doesn't.
Be
careful of the depth of the water though …
References:
O’Reilly,
P. (2016). Fascinated by Fungi –
exploring the majesty and mystery, facts and fantasy of the quirkiest kingdom
on earth. Llandysul: First Nature, p. 385.
Phillips,
R. (2006). Mushrooms. London: Pan Macmillan,
p. 367, fig. p. 366 (h).
Sterry,
P. and Hughes. B. (2009). Collins
Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools. London: HarperCollins,
p. 304, fig. p. 305.
well done, great set of images too
ReplyDeleteJ
Thanks, Jim. Much appreciated especially from you. It wasn't the easiest of places to get close and personal as you well know!
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