Autumn is the time of the year when we see interesting types of fungi cropping up around Struan Farm. "Shaggy Inkcaps" have appeared around the place, but both John and I were wondering whether this would be one of those years when "Scarlet Flycaps," or "Amanita muscaria" would start appearing in numbers below the radiata pine trees down at the river. They only grow below exotic conifers and deciduous trees, especially radiata and silver birch, and are believed to have been introduced from Europe with potted exotic tree seedlings.
These fungi look like very much like the toadstools pictured in fairy tales, brilliant red with white spots (or "warts") when young, turning bronze as they age. My fungi field guide refers to them as the "most conspicuous mushroom in the autumn landscape." They are toxic, so not to be eaten. In some years major colonies pop up. While some have appeared, this hasn't really been one of those years with huge numbers or clusters.
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