Top 19 Most Common Mushrooms in Townsville
Most Common Mushrooms
1. Yellow bridal veil stinkhorn
Yellow bridal veil stinkhorn is a species of stinkhorn that occurs in the tropics around the world. Its brownish slime releases a very distinctive and unpleasant smell that attracts flies and other insects. It can be found on the ground, growing among dead leaves and wood chips.
2. Bridal veil stinkhorn
Bridal veil stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus) can be found rising up from the ground in tropical forests around the world. A distinctive netted fringe “skirt” descends from the cap along the length of the stalk. A type of “stinkhorn,” the fruitbodies of this species produce scents that vary between sickly-sweet to just plain unpleasant. The odor is meant to attract insects that usually lay their eggs in carrion.
3. Yellow-footed micropore
The scientific name of the yellow-footed micropore (Microporus xanthopus) translates to “tiny-pored yellow foot.” Its short stem is usually yellow, leading up to a concave, funnel-like cap. The species is common in all the tropics of the world outside of the Americas. The striated, multi-hued caps grow largest in wet, darkly-shaded locations.
4. Hexagonia tenuis
Hexagonia tenuis fruits as a shelf fungus on the sides and bottoms of dead logs. The brackets are small, thin, and striped in concentric brown rings. It can be found in tropical forests around the world, and particularly in dried-out places. It causes a white rot in the wood.
5. Mauve parachute
The tiny mauve parachute (Marasmius haematocephalus) is a miniature delight. A broad, delicate, brightly-hued cap sits like an open umbrella atop a slender, delicate, darkly-colored stalk. In dry conditions, the caps shrivel and become near-invisible beneath the detritus of the forest floor, but the next rain will open these hardy little mushrooms right back up again.
6. Flowerpot parasol
This tropical/subtropical mushroom is known to be toxic. If eaten it causes a very unpleasant stomachache with the risk of fatal complications. In temperate zones, flowerpot parasol is only found in hothouses and greenhouses, so the risk of accidental foraging is low, but it may occur with potted plants and indoor landscaping and pose a risk to curious children.
7. Split gill
Split gill(Schizophyllum commune) can be found across the globe. Uniquely, it is the only mushroom species known to display the capability to retract by movement. It is considered inedible, although not necessarily toxic. Furthermore, it is not recommended to smell this species, as the spores are capable of sprouting and growing in nasal passages.
8. Wood ear
The fuzzy surface of the wood ear (Auricularia cornea) is a distinguishable characteristic of this wood-loving mushroom. The hairy, ear-shaped body transforms in color when exposed to moisture and can range from chocolate brown to dull gray.
9. Devil's stinkhorn
The repugnant smell and odd shape of the devil's stinkhorn (Phallus rubicundus) create a memorable mushroom-hunting encounter. The elongated cap stretches down the stem like a hood, but chances are you'll smell this mushroom before you ever see it. Even one single fruitbody can emit a powerful odor, which has been compared to rotting flesh or roadkill.
10. False parasol
Though the false parasol appears unassuming, the species is famous—or, infamous—for its toxicity. It looks unfortunately similar to Agericus campestrus, a commonly eaten mushroom, but the false parasol can be distinguished by its highly unusual green spore print. Although they are no good to eat, they can be pretty to look at. The species may grow in ring-shaped groups in meadows and on forest floors in what are sometimes called "fairy circles."
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