The country of New Zealand has a rich variety and abundance of fungi. Here are 6 common fungi that you are likely to see.
The landscape of New Zealand is full of fungi taking different shapes and colours. I always try to stop and look closely at fungi when I’m out hiking so that I can better appreciate it. A great time to be extra aware of and keep a sharp eye out for fungi is after a rain. Thus, the autumn and winter (when it tends to rain a lot) are good times to see what fungi you can find.
6 Common Fungi Of New Zealand
Scientists have identified about 7,500 species of fungi in New Zealand. In addition to those already identified species, scientists estimate that there are more than double that many unknown species. Here are some common fungi, both native and introduced species, of the country. Please note that this list is not the gold standard, rather it’s simply my attempt to share some of the common species that I often see when out in nature.
Woods Ear (Auricularia cornea)
This decomposer fungi can be found on dead wood and is considered a delicacy in China. Wood ear is a jelly type of fungi that grows on dead wood and looks almost like ears growing out of the wood.
Organge Pore Fungus (Favolaschia calocera)
This introduced species is another decomposer. It can be found on dead wood, twigs, and such. It is a small, brightly orange coloured fan.
Birds Nest Fungus (Nidula species)
This fungus, a decomposer, looks like its name implies – like a super tiny birds nest full of eggs. It can be found growing on dead or decaying wood and twigs.
Scarlet Flycap (Amanita muscaria)
This introduced species can be found most often growing around the bases of introduced comfier species. However, it is also now spreading into native beech forests. Be careful as this mushroom is poisonous!
Puffball (Bovista species)
There are many of these species of ball like fungus. Unlike most mushrooms, which hold spores inside the gills on the underside of the cap, a puffball’s spores are held inside the ball. When mature, the tough outer skin splits and the spores escape out the opening (they puff out).
Sooty Black Mould
If you’re like me, you may not realise that this is a fungi when you first see it. This is a black mould that covers the trunks of many trees, such as beech, manuka, and kanuka. This sooty black mould has a unique ecosystem that you can read about here.