Fungi of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Part two

Leucoagaricus croceovelutinus, also known as the Blushing Dapperling, is a rare saprobic fungus found on decaying leaf litter, often with conifers .

Leucoagaricus mushrooms look superficially like a cross between Lepiota (Parasol) and Agaricus mushrooms. All three are in fact very closely related, as members of the Agaricaceae family. The genus name Leucoagaricus means “white Agaricus”, referring to the white spores (Agaricus mushrooms have chocolate brown spores). This particular species is easily recognised by its bright orange-red discoloration upon cutting or handling- which may leave a reddish residue on the fingers. These discoloured areas later darken to brown or almost black. The fungus was found growing under Lawson’s Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) trees in the garden. It is the first time L.croceovelutinus has been recorded in Scotland, and a specimen has now been stored in the herbarium at the Botanics for future reference.

A much more common species is Clitocybe nebularis, the Clouded Funnel. C.nebularis is characterised by its large (up to 25 cm across) cap which is cloudy grey to brown in colour. It has white to cream decurrent gills, a robust white stem and cream spores. This impressive fungus fruits throughout the garden, often creating large fairy rings among leaf litter. One such fairy ring (or at least part of one) is clearly visible under a Malus (apple) tree near the East Gate Lodge. This fungus has been continuously producing mushrooms for two months!

Lepista nuda, the Wood Blewit, is a popular edible found growing on organic debris in many woodlands, parks and gardens. It is recognisable by its beautiful lilac colouring which later fades to a greyish or brownish colour. This mushroom can be seen in several locations within the Botanics, often near conifers. L.nuda was once a member of the Clitocybe genus but mycologists now separate Lepista species on account of their spiny spores.

Leucoagaricus croceovelutinus

Clitocybe nebularis

Lepista nuda

Tricholomopsis rutilans is an unmistakable purple and yellow mushroom which is found growing on decaying conifer wood. T.rutilans grows on several sites in the garden, notably the west border which is heavily mulched with wood chips. The striking colours of this mushroom have earned it the memorable common name Plums and Custard.

Lepista nuda

Finally Hygrophorus hypothejus, the Herald of Winter, has made a few appearances in the garden. This fungus traditionally signals the beginning of winter and the end of the mushrooming season.

Tricholomopsis rutilans

Hygrophorus hypothejus

Hygrophorus hypothejus