This was another of my regular trips to Sassafras Gully to record what fungi was out. My previous visit was about two weeks earlier, and that hadn’t been dry good – the fungi out then was quite limited. Since then, there had not been too much rain at Springwood. A little light drizzle perhaps. Good rain is needed for an explosion of fruiting fungi.
But things were better than the past few trips. A lot more was out this time – in particular Russulas and Cotinarius. Also some more Hygrocybes are re-appearing.
Also – I found a few coral fungi –
Nothing really spectacular or colourful yet.
I was pleased to spot these nice slime moulds –
Here is a selection of what I found –
More photos, together with my attempts at identification are online on my website here.
The main part of Sassafras Gully is within Blue Mountains National Park, but most of the track heads are council reserve. Dogs are generally allowed with the council reserve but not in the national park. However, on many of my visits, I have encountered people with dogs in the national park section. Some of them are walking their dogs, and others the dog seems to be accompanying them on a picnic. There are very good reasons why dogs are not allowed in national parks. For example their effect on native animals. One part of Sassafras Gully seems to be currently supporting an active population of bandicoots. I often see their diggings. They leave a short conical hole, inclined into the ground. They dig these holes in order to obtain one of their main foods – truffles. Australia is rich in these underground fungi. However, if a dog passes through an area – it’s scent can linger for weeks, and native animals will avoid that area.
Very satisfying and beautiful photographs. I’m bookmarking this blog. I’l be returning to to often.