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Common Puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)The Common puffball is a widespread fungus, a surface covered in tiny uneven pearl like attachments distinguish it from its many similar relatives, initially cream, turning ochre before falling off leaving an olive brown surface. The dark area at the apex is where the pore develops through which spores are released following a drop of rain or gust of wind. Habitat Size Status Similar Species Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula - judae)Ear fungus also known as Judas ear or the jelly fungus, ranges from pale to dark brown, is rubbery and really does resemble a human ear! When it is young it is gelatinous and pliant but hardens and turns black with age releasing white spores. It is one of the few fungi that can withstand freezing temperatures therefore can be found all year round. It is said that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver and then hanged himself on an elder tree, which is the origin of the name auricula-judae (ear of Judas). Habitat Size Status Similar Species Shaggy Ink Cap (Coprinus comatus)The Shaggy inkcap fungi, also known as Shaggy Mane and Lawyer’s wig can be found in spring summer or autumn. It has a white skin with a tan colouring across its shaggy looking outer flesh. It looks like a goose egg when young, developing into a slender bell shape as the margins of the cap rots away. As the mushroom ages, the gills darken as they start to liquify producing a dark liquid that was traditionally used as an ‘ink’. Habitat Size Status Similar Species |