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Alderney Fungi
There are around 300 different species of fungi in Alderney which is a high number for such a small area. The majority are doing no harm as they decompose and recycle organic matter, and many are very beautiful in appearance.
In the Autumn, especially after a heavy spell of rain, large numbers of fungi appear in this Northern Channel Isle. The fact that they are found so frequently here indicates that only a low level of chemicals are used for horticultural purposes. Most fungi are very sensitive to herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilisers.
Fungi form a huge group of organisms, belonging to the Fungi Kingdom. Fungi obtain food in three main ways: parasitic – feeding off other living animals or plants; saprophytic – feeding off dead organic matter; symbiotic – in association with another living organism to the benefit of both.
It is the fruiting part of the fungal bodies that we see portrayed on these stamps which produce spores that grow into new fungi. The rest of the fungus is usually hidden deep in the substrate it likes to live on, and consists of tiny, almost microscopic threads.
There are a huge variety of fungi; some are wholly microscopic, then there are small species such as smuts and rusts that attack higher plants, through to spherical puff-balls, woody bracket fungi, boletes with pores underneath instead of gills, and gilled fungi, such as the edible Mushroom.
What most people want to know about any fungus is “Can I eat it?” There is a small group of poisonous fungi, of which only a few species will be fatal, and a larger group of edible fungi, some more delicious than others. By far the largest group is those we call “inedible” that is, they are not poisonous, but are either too hard and woody, too small and fragile, or have too unpleasant a flavour for us to consider eating.
There is no easy test to discover whether a fungus will be toxic or not, you have to get to know them thoroughly, or ask some-one who does.
Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare (22p).
This has a sulphurous yellow cap and stem, but look underneath and the gills are a dull grey colour. It grows in clumps on dead tree stumps, and is rather toxic, though not deadly. Apparently, it tastes extremely bitter, which will hopefully put you off!
Orange Peel Fungus Aleuria aurantia (27p).
This belongs to a group called the “cup fungi”. Little orange saucer-shaped fruits are found on damp, bare ground, such as little-used paths. The spores are released form the upper surface. It is not poisonous, but rather small, although it can occur in large numbers, and is used by some as a garnish, to add colour to a dish.
Shining Ink Cap Coprinus micaceus (36p).
A small golden-brown mushroom, often with glistening flecks on the cap. The gills beneath are dark purple-black, and the whole fungus eventually turns this colour as it rots away. It grows in clumps on dead wood, and is edible, but rather small, and tends to disintegrate in the pan.
Giant Puffball Langermannia gigantea (40p).
This large white puff-ball can grow up to 80cm in diameter. It occurs mostly in grassland, sometimes hidden under nettles or brambles. It is quite common in Alderney, and is very good to eat, as long as it is still firm and white inside. Slice it like a loaf of bread and fry!
Parasol Macrolepiota procera (45p).
A tall cream to pale brown mushroom, with a thick ring on the stem, and a flaky cap. It also grows in grassland, often near the coast, and on the cliffs in Alderney. The cap is excellent eating, the stem is a little coarse, but can be used in stock.
Candle Snuff Fungus Xylaria hypoxylon (65p).
Black, cylindrical, antler-shaped fruit bodies with white tips, again growing on dead wood. This one belongs to the inedible group – it is almost as