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Fungi found in Marlborough

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In addition to plants and animals, fungi are the other main kingdom of macroscopic organisms present in the environment. Unlike plants, fungi are not photosynthetic,  so like animals, they rely on consuming existing organic material as a source of energy. Fungi can be classified both by the form of their fruiting bodies, and where they are found growing. Some are plant pathogens, growing on living plants, causing harm to their hosts, but many grow on dead organic matter, and some form mycorrhizal associations with plants, where both the fungi and the host plants benefit. Some of these mycorrhizal relationships involve specific host species for specific fungi.

There are estimated to be over 20,000 different fungi species in New Zealand, with only around a third formally identified. Marlborough supports a diverse variety of fungi with many colourful native fungi, as well as many unintentionally introduced species, some of which have become very invasive and displace native fungi. Fungi can be found in just about any habitat where there is available organic matter from alpine regions to the coast.

Fungi have a major impact on Marlborough's economy, with powdery mildew Uncinula necator, a particular problem in vineyards, which must be controlled with fungicides. Either sulfur or copper sprays available as organic options with sulfur having the advantage of no long term accumulation in the soil. In contrast, Botrytis cinerea is both a plant pathogen in damp conditions, but can also produce high quality sweet dessert wines under drier conditions. In the timber industry, Pinus radiata susceptibility to rot requires the treatment of timber with CCA (copper chrome arsenate) or other preservatives when wood will be in contact with soil or moisture. Marlborough has some boutique cheese makers, with fungi being integral to the rinds on several varieties. The spread of myrtle rust to Marlborough is of major concern as it has the potential to infect native species such as Mānuka and Kānuka which are important for honey production, in addition to fruit crops such as feijoas.

Amanita muscaria

Amanita muscaria

Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) is a toxic mushroom containing a hallucinogenic substance, muscimol. This example is in Pollard Park.

Armillaria limonea

Armillaria limonea

Armillaria limonea is a native fungus found in beech forest that is pathogenic to some native trees and Pinus radiata.

Bovista

Bovista spp. (Puffballs)

Bovista are a common genus of small puffball fungi found growing on soil. They are widely distributed throughout New Zealand.

Byssomerulius psittacinus

Byssomerulius psittacinus

Byssomerulius psittacinus is a polyphore fungus endemic to New Zealand, associated with beech forests.

Calvatia craniiformis (Brain puffball)

Calvatia craniiformis

Calvatia craniiformis (Brain puffball) is a puffball with a diameter of about 15-20cm.

Coprinopsis lagopus (hare's foot inkcap)

Coprinopsis lagopus

Coprinopsis lagopus (hare's foot inkcap) mushroom identified in Witherlea, Blenheim

Coprinus comatus

Coprinus comatus

Coprinus comatus or shaggy inkcap is a common edible fungus.

Cortinarius porphyroideus

Cortinarius porphyroideus

Cortinarius porphyroideus is an endemic pouch fungus associated with beech forests. This example was found in the upper Wairau area.

Cyclocybe parasitica

Cyclocybe parasitica

Cyclocybe parasitica or Poplar rot is a large mushroom species responsible for heartwood rot in both native and exotic hardwoods, found throughout New Zealand

Favolaschia calocera (orange pore fungi) at Rarangi

Favolaschia calocera

An introduced saprotrophic pore fungus found on decaying wood.

Geastrum sp.

Geastrum sp.

Geastrum (earthstars) are a genus of fungi similar to puffballs, but with the central fruiting body surrounded by petal like structures.

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus junonius

Gymnopilus junonius is a large, orange mushroom typically found on tree trunks and stumps. This example is at Taylor Dam, Blenheim

Ileodictyon cibarium

Ileodictyon cibarium

Ileodictyon cibarium commonly known as tūtae whetū in te reo Māori or basket fungus is a fungus native to New Zealand found in areas rich in organic matter such as leaf litter and mulch.

Laetiporus portentosus

Laetiporus portentosus (putawa)

Laetiporus portentosus (pūtawa) is a large bracket fungus native to New Zealand, typically found in native forest.

Leratiomyces erythrocephalus

Leratiomyces erythrocephalus

A fungus in the Strophariaceae family, endemic to New Zealand

Nidula niveotomentosa

Nidula niveotomentosa

Nidula niveotomentosa is a small cup shaped birds nest fungus found natively in New Zealand

Peziza sp.

Peziza sp.

Peziza is a large genus of saprophytic fungi found worldwide, characterised by cup like fruiting bodies.

Pholiota aurivella

Pholiota aurivella

Pholiota aurivella is a species of fungi found particularly in NZ native forests.

Rickenella fibula (Orange Moss Agaric)

Rickenella fibula

Rickenella fibula (Orange Moss Agaric) is a small, orange mushroom found associated with moss. It is an introduced species to New Zealand.

Sceroderma sp.

Scleroderma (Earthballs)

Scleroderma (Earthballs) are a genus of fungi with several native species found in New Zealand.

Stereum ostrea

Stereum ostrea

Stereum ostrea is a native, but non-endemic plant pathogen that grows on tree bark and decaying wood. This example is from Pine Valley

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