22 Oct 25 - Brownsea Fly Agaric

It's that time of year when the Fungi stalks appear in the leaf litter or grass. During the rest of the year, the Fungi grows underground as it breaks up dead vegetation. I know very little about Fungi and haven't managed to identify more than a handful of species. One of the species I do know is Fly Agaric. This is a common and easily-identifiable species on woodland floors.

Fly Agaric: This Fly Agaric was just appearing above ground. I've no idea about the identity of the neighbouring orange-brown species. Brownsea (30 Oct 24)

One of the DWT wardens, Nicki, said that it had been a good Autumn for Fungi on Brownsea and many stalks were larger than normal.

Fly Agaric: This large Fly Agaric was about five inches across

A side view of the same Fly Agaric

14 Oct 22 - Fly Agaric

My Fungi knowledge is very limited, but Fly Agaric is one of the few distinctive Fungi species that I know. Although they look superb, it is best not to touch them given they are a poisonous species: albeit they are apparently unlikely to be fatal.

Parasol Mushroom: This is what they look like before the parasol is spread. Studland (4 Oct 10)