Ascomycetes | Basidiomycetes | Classifications | Fruit Body Structure | Slime Molds
Podaxales (Gastroid Agarics)
This group resembles the Agarics in the
presence of a cap and a stem, but differ in that the spores are not forcibly
discharged at maturity but rather they are kept enclosed within the cap
until the mushroom deteriorates or is damaged by animals or insects for
dispersal. So the spores are not exposed to the elements and a spore print
is not obtainable.
Paurocotylis Pila
Found at Te Mata Trust Park in June, 2000. Growing from ground or litter.
Cap: Pouch like. Orange to red in colour but this may wash away in
rain. 1.5-3cm in diameter and about 1-1.5cm high.
The pouch encloses a more or less white spore mass which is one of two
differences between this mushroom and the red pouch mushroom, the other
difference being the absence of the stem.
Edibility: Unknown.
Thaxterogaster Porphyreum (Violet Pouch)
Found at Lake Waikeramoana on May 11, 2001 at the 15th Annual New Zealand
Fungal Foray.
Pouch: A magnificent purple colour.
Stalk: Bluish to purple in colour.
Every time I find this mushroom it is half eaten by bugs, this is the first
one I find in good enough shape for a photograph
In the cross section, a brown mass of spores can be seen separated by bluish
white flesh.
Edibility: I don't know.
Weraroa Erythrocephala
Found in Te Mata Trust Park in Havelock North, also at the Manawatu Gorge
Track from June through July, 2000. Growing from wood and littler on forest
floor.
Cap: Bright red in colour pouch like enclosing a brown spore mass.
1.5-3cm in diameter.
Stem: 2-4cm high. White but with a striking gold to yellow tinge.
This mushroom seemed to bloom during July, it was everywhere.
I noticed that most of them did not stand upright but were more or less
lying on the ground, but I did not find anything in the literature to
support this, or deny it.
Edibility: Unknown, but I would guess no.
WARNING
Different people react differently to different mushrooms.
NEVER eat a wild mushroom without being 100% sure it is safe to do so.
Best Gourmet Mushrooms in New Zealand
Last Update
17 Feb 2007