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| Clathrus archeri; a.k.a. Devil's Fingers, Octopus stinkhorn | |
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| Topic Started: May 22 2016, 12:51 PM (429 Views) | |
| Laurie P | May 22 2016, 12:51 PM Post #1 |
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I was made aware of this particular fungus last year when a butterfly conservationist visited the Brockenhurst area of the New Forest, and he came across this introduction from Australia. It has appeared here within the last two years and he posted his photographs of his find online via the Daily Echo newspaper. Obviously he did not reveal the exact location of his find, something I never do either, as fungi theft for commercial purposes is an issue here. I am always on the lookout for all fungi to photograph when I'm out and about but I've never come across this particular variety. It is definitely on my wish-list for photographing for my personal website. I don't know if you have any other members who live in the New Forest, or anyone else who has visited here recently and come across them. They fruit between July and September. If anyone has had any sightings and could let me know where to concentrate my attention, I would be grateful. Also, being an open Forum could you please send me a Personal Message with any specific locations you may have. |
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| Grayling | May 22 2016, 06:25 PM Post #2 |
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That's interesting Laurie. I've looked it up and found this Clathrus archeri is one of several phalloids which have been introduced to Britain, and it was first recorded in Britain from Cornwall in 1946. It has since spread in southern England, and is now locally frequent, especially favouring wood-chip mulch. Species information Common name: devil's fingers; octopus stinkhorn Conservation status: An introduced species to Britain, apparently still spreading, and not of conservation concern here. Also alien to Europe, but red-listed in the Netherlands. Fairly frequent where native in Australia and New Zealand. Habitat: On soil, often amongst decaying wood chips, around old stumps, or in leaf litter, growing in clusters. Known hazards: None. Like other phalloids, the species has a sticky, foul-smelling gleba (fertile tissue) when mature. The unpleasant odour attracts flies which disperse the spores. Although quite inedible at this stage it is not toxic and is quite harmless. One to look out for
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| Davebutterflyman | May 22 2016, 07:00 PM Post #3 |
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Not one i have seen yet, despite having a very keen interest in fungi, Laurie, but hopefully one day. Would also like to see Devil's Boletus, another spectacular fungus. Thanks for posting that info Grayling. |
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| JennyWren | May 22 2016, 07:18 PM Post #4 |
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What a strange looking fungi , Laurie ..... i've never seen one but maybe if you bought a few different bags of mulch .. wood chips , you could be lucky
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| Laurie P | May 22 2016, 09:26 PM Post #5 |
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Thank you all for that input I felt certain that someone was going to come back with a positive sighting, so it's interesting that it is not so well known after all.
Jen, if only it was that easy. I'd be doing that in a heartbeat I'm more determined to find one now, so the game is afoot (as Sherlock would say) to be the first one here to bag one
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3:22 PM Jul 11
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What a strange looking fungi , Laurie ..... i've never seen one but maybe if you bought a few different bags of mulch .. wood chips , you could be lucky
3:22 PM Jul 11


