tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64467651894384246632024-03-13T19:37:24.004+00:00My Nature NotebookI have been interested in wildlife, the environment and ecology for years and I like to do some research on what I see and where I go and these are my notesPeter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.comBlogger1292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-92066292268402360852023-10-24T18:18:00.000+00:002023-10-24T18:18:11.351+00:00Bank Hair-cap Moss (Polytrichum formosum)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5123869198/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="516" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1154/5123869198_c9c010c0be_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="684" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>If there is not much to see when you look upwards on a woodland walk try looking downwards at the woodland floor. There you will find a wide variety of plants, even in autumn and winter.<br /><br />Be prepared for an identification challenge though unless you have the best reference books around and a microscope!<br /><br />Unfortunately I only have a small field guide but I can tell that this is a member of the Polytrichum family; 'formosum'; It can be common in acid woodland and on heath. 'formosum' has a preference for slightly drier conditions and I found this specimen on a stream bank, damp but drained.<br /><br />To appreciate moss you need to get down and take a close look. This plant forms large carpets of individual little spiky trees, a bit like a minute conifer forest! In amongst the 'trees' shoots appear with little nodules on the top which contain the spores for distribution by the wind.<br /><br />OK, moss may not be 'your thing' but I think it worth a second glance, specially this time of year when there does seem much else to admire!<br clear="all" />Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-25557960343570271672023-10-24T18:13:00.003+00:002023-10-24T18:13:36.285+00:00Common Earth Ball (Scleroderma citrinum)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/6683913207/" title="Common Earth Ball (Scleroderma citrinum)"><img alt="Common Earth Ball (Scleroderma citrinum) by Peter Orchard" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6683913207_a4e7564295.jpg" /></a><br /></div><p>This is a common autumn fungus found where the soil is mossy, peaty and sandy.<br /><br />At first glance it could be mistaken for the familiar puff ball but, on closer inspection, the surface of the ball is much more scaly, indeed almost ridged. When fresh the appearance is quite light in colour but as it ages it turns a distinct yellow which is probably where its scientific name of 'citrinum' comes from, citrus coloured.<br /><br />The spherical dome acts in a similar way to a puff ball but instead of small funnel at the top for the spores to emerge from the Common Earth Ball splits open to release its spores.<br /><br />Not edible because it only has spores inside, very little flesh. It is also considered to be poisonous.<br /><br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-83571943032596891042023-10-24T18:10:00.005+00:002023-10-24T18:10:52.180+00:00Ochre Brittlegill (Russula ochroleuca)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/6657992829/" title="Common Yellow Russula (Russula ochroleuca)"><img alt="Common Yellow Russula (Russula ochroleuca) by Peter Orchard" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6657992829_c8c5eb7d21.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>The ochre brittlegill is a familiar sight on any woodland floor in autumn as it grows amongst the leaf litter in both coniferous and deciduous woods. Once I put a name to it I then started to encounter it just about everywhere. Although solitary by nature, rather than gregarious in troops or circles, once you find one you will generally find many others in the same area.<br /><br />This is also known as the common yellow russula but that is not really helpful because it is not yellow as some fungi are; truly yellow I mean, it is more ochre in colour. However, the ochre colour makes sense of the scientific name of Russula ochorleuca - ochre-leucent!<br /><br />When the cap first appears it is curved in shape, it gradually flattens out leaving a little dimple in the middle but also revealing the gills around the edges.<br /><br />My book says it's an edible species but the specimens I have found are usually already in decay and do bot look in least appetising.<br /><br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-83188349841641745392023-10-24T18:06:00.002+00:002023-10-24T18:06:28.910+00:00Candle Snuff Fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/6716024569/" title="Candle Snuff Fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon)"><img alt="Candle Snuff Fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon) by Peter Orchard" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6716024569_cf3466507e.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>I suppose that when we think of fungi we immediately have a picture of the classic mushroom shape, a round cap resting on a short stipe. Many fungi are, indeed, that shape, hence the nick-name of toadstool because they look like a stool and one that is low enough for a toad to sit on! In reality fungi take various forms in terms of their fruiting bodies and this one, commonly known as Candle Snuff, is certainly living proof of that.<br /><br />It is easy to see why it is called candle-snuff because it does have the appearance of burnt candle wick and, when a few days old, it can be quite powdery too, just like candle snuff.<br /><br />This is a very common species that can be found all year on dead wood but it is quite small and easily overlooked unless you take time to inspect dead branches and tree stumps that you encounter. It is not edible of course, it is too powdery and not big enough to justify making a meal out of it.<br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-87599528436921374132023-10-24T18:04:00.001+00:002023-10-24T18:04:27.387+00:00Butter Cap (Collybia butyracea)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7509791020/" title="Butter Cap (Collybia butyracea)"><img alt="Butter Cap (Collybia butyracea) by Peter Orchard" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7509791020_014447943e.jpg" /></a><br /></div><p>The colouring of the Butter Cap can be quite variable but this coffee and cream colouring seems to crop up quite frequently although coffee with no cream edge seems to common too. The species itself is widespread and very common amongst fallen needles in coniferous woodland although it does occur in deciduous woodland as well. Emerging with a convex cap it tends to flatten out with age and can grow to around 3 inches across. However, the main aid to identification is the greasy or buttery surface to the cap, hence its common name.<br /><br /></p><p>It is not a recommended species for eating.</p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-62334407936639515192023-10-24T18:01:00.006+00:002023-10-24T18:01:54.953+00:00Common Bonnet (Mycena galericulata)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7502661268/" title="Common Bonnet (Mycena galericulata)"><img alt="Common Bonnet (Mycena galericulata) by Peter Orchard" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7502661268_0cbdbc4fd1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><p>The common bonnet is very common; indeed, probably one of our most common species. You will find it in just about any broad-leaved woodland on dead wood and, especially stumps where it can be extremely prevalent in big tufts with many stems. It can be found all year round but is particularly noticeable in autumn.</p><p>It is edible but as the individual specimens are quite small they are really not worth the effort to collect.<br /><br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-33529017660848019892023-10-17T18:44:00.007+00:002023-10-17T18:44:52.177+00:00Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7493563696/" title="Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)"><img alt="Sulphur Tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) by Peter Orchard" height="503" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7493563696_5b2130736f.jpg" width="671" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>This must be a familiar sight to anyone walking in woodland in autumn. This has to be one of our most common fungi as it thrives on tree stumps, grows in dense tufts or clumps and is visible all year round. The cap can vary in size from a little as 2 cm up to nearly 6 cm and they start out convex in shape, then flatten out and eventually have a sort of Dutchman's cap appearance so plenty of variety to confuse the unwary like me!</p><p>Certainly not edible and best left alone.<br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-15410853660818189372023-10-15T18:51:00.001+00:002023-10-15T18:51:13.031+00:00Noon Fly (Mesembrina meridiana)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5060424928/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="517" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/5060424928_2b30b3991c_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="686" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although this fly is categorised along with house flies Mesembrina meridiana is unlikely to be found in houses. Instead, it prefers sunbathing whilst tucking in to a meal of nectar from umbellifer flowers (Hogweed, Cow Parsley, Wild Angelica, etc) or, later in the year when these are mostly over, Ivy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a large fly which is quite distinctive because of the brown colouring at the top of the wings, It is pretty well black all over otherwise.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like most flies their life cycle is pretty unpleasant when viewed through human eyes. It lays its eggs in dung and the larvae then participate in the ongoing recycling of material turning cow and horse dung back in to soil. That may make Mesembrina meridiana a bit of a dirty character but it does a vital job in the cycle of life so spare some time to take a look at it. I think it strangely attractive!</div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-46414912209830647832023-10-14T19:09:00.005+00:002023-10-14T19:09:56.432+00:00Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/4601430885/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="510" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/4601430885_31ab7ede91_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="677" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>I am not sure any 'wild bird' survey or count should include the pheasant, it is not a natural British species after all.<br /><br />If they were not bred specifically for 'sport' then there would be no pheasant here at all. It is only because they are farmed and habitat is managed for them that they survive.<br /><br />They are an Asian species that seems to have been introduced for food all over Europe and the British Isles by the Romans. That means they have been here c2000 years so they are now pretty British I suppose.<br /><br />What I find distressing is the practice of many game keepers of killing all possible predators of young pheasant so that people can pay for the 'pleasure' of doing it. How many birds of prey are illegally poisoned because they might have an impact on farmed pheasant numbers?<br /><br />There are less pheasant in Dorset than where we used to live in Hampshire. On the main road from our village to the nearest town you would see countless dead pheasants killed by cars, and yet the local game keepers would complain that they lost pheasants to foxes. <br /><br />Hypocrisy rules it seems!<br clear="all" />Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-83507457900596871242023-10-14T16:09:00.004+00:002023-10-14T16:09:45.783+00:00Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus comatus)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5097360476/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="751" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5097360476_54a3eeaba3_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="566" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The shaggy inkcap is also familiarly known as the Lawyers Wig fungus for fairly obvious reasons!<br /><br />Not far from our house is an open area of grass with a scattering of ornamental trees and every October these fungi appear, as if by magic. Every day for a couple of weeks a dozen 'spikes' arise from the ground, by evening they have reached this stage (as I have photographed it). Overnight it continues to develop and the cap separates from the stipe and then by morning the whole things starts to dissolve, the black spores making the liquid look like old fashioned Stephen's ink which some of you will remember from your school days. The liquid soaks into the ground taking the spores with it to start a new generation of the fungus. <br /><br />Every day the old spikes can be seen dissolving as new spikes appear. This method of spore (or seed) distribution is quite unique to this family of fungi I believe.<br /><br />It is a widespread species and you can find it on lawns, pasture, along footpaths, on areas of bare ground, even rubbish tips.<br clear="all" />Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-91267491852268290482023-10-14T16:07:00.001+00:002023-10-14T16:07:14.059+00:00Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7575945350/" title="Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea)"><img alt="Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea) by Peter Orchard" height="503" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7575945350_2dbcd6a389.jpg" width="670" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>You cannot mistake the giant puffball for any other species, it is truly unique. The dome can be a foot or more in diameter; they are like giant Ostrich eggs! My book says they can actually grow up to 80cms across which is huge and that, from a distance, they can even be mistaken for sleeping sheep! They are almost pure white but soon discolour or become pitted as they are attacked by insects. Widespread and, apparently common, they can be found on soil in grassy habitats especially near stinging nettles which are an indicator of phosphate rich soil which this species thrives on.<br /><br />You can eat them when young but surely better left to let them reach their full potential?<br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-1747038704428522172023-10-14T16:01:00.003+00:002023-10-14T16:01:19.541+00:00Common Inkcap (Coprinopsis atramentaria)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7488397904/" title="Common Inkcap (Coprinopsis atramentaria)"><img alt="Common Inkcap (Coprinopsis atramentaria) by Peter Orchard" height="514" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7488397904_72e8d817da.jpg" width="685" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>The common inkcap is, as the name might suggest, very common but because they 'liquidise' very readily they are often hard to identify and, in any event, are only around for a couple of days! They are also inclined to be quite variable in appearance.<br /><br />This is very much a species of woodland and, in particular, stumps, twigs and general debris that have a soil covering but you can also find them on grassland where there is buried timber below the surface. Generally solitary or in small groups they are visible from spring right through to the autumn.<br /><br />They are considered edible but I think you would have to find them pretty fresh and cook them quickly to get them at their best. You should also avoid having a glass of wine with them as they can have nasty effects when eaten with alcohol! Indeed, it has apparently been used as a drug to help cure alcoholism. The black liquid has also been used as a drawing ink.<br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-69039151042098698552023-10-12T18:23:00.004+00:002023-10-12T18:23:47.509+00:00Common Cross Spider (Araneus diadematus)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5011912179/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="509" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5011912179_2c3b4980ba_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="675" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>This spider, with the white cross on its back is also known as the garden spider but it can be seen just about anywhere during the autumn, there are countless numbers of them. They are usually seen huddled up in the centre of their amazingly fine webs waiting for their next meal to drop in.<div><br />By far our most abundant spider, you can find the common cross spider in gardens, on scrub and shrubs, hedgerows, fences, even on cars (they use my wing mirror as a base point for web building).<br /><br />A ferocious little creature to encounter if you are unsuspecting insect but quite harmless to anything bigger and on close inspection they are amazingly beautiful.<br clear="all" /></div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-66846883801544448862023-10-12T18:19:00.001+00:002023-10-12T18:19:33.090+00:00Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5065105585/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="518" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5065105585_8bafece5fd_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="687" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>Now this delightful little solitary bee is a real treat. First recorded in this country in Dorset in 2001 and in just eight years has spread across much of southern England. It is found mainly in coastal locations but is appearing more and more inland.<br /><br />This species of bee does not emerge until September when its main nectar plant, Ivy (Hedera helix) is in flower and that is obviously where it takes it scientific name from, 'hederae' meaning 'of the Hedera', ie Ivy, hence its colloquial name, the Ivy Bee.<br /><br />Now extremely plentiful along the Dorset coast, it is well worth looking for them where ever you find ivy in flower and with the sun shining on it. They are active little bees and you may need to watch a while until one decides to settle down for lunch and then you can have a good look at it.<br /><br />Colletes hederae is not a pest of anything and so should be seen as a welcome arrival to our shores, not all incomers are bad!<br clear="all" />Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-16029090128296243942023-09-17T18:46:00.005+00:002023-09-17T18:46:51.606+00:00Turkey-tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5090328090/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="513" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5090328090_b259ba4c8e_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="680" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Decaying wood from fallen trees makes a superb micro-habitat for various forms of wildlife and that is why, on nature reserves at least, fallen trees are usually left to rot away naturally. If they fall across paths or present some form of danger then they have to be removed of course.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the key players in the rotting process is fungi and this is one of the most common. Bracket fungi are similar in many ways to the normal 'umbrella' toadstools, it is just that the fruiting head has a half moon shape.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fungus is, of course, present all year round. It lives within the log feeding on the decaying matter and hastening the recycling process. If you pick away at a rotting stump you might well find the white thin strands of the fungus itself.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In autumn (usually, not always) the fruiting head appears which has a protective covering on the top and it is from underneath the spores are released.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trametes versicolor occurs on virtually all forms of decaying wood; some species, such as the birch polypore are more specialised. Trametes versicolor will vary in colour depending on the fruiting body's age, it dries out after serving its purpose and becomes harder and darker. When the fruiting body is fresh, however, it has this lovely 'concentric ringed appearance' with iridescent shades of grey, green, brown, violet and even black.</div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-88326339438636470632023-09-08T10:13:00.003+00:002023-09-08T10:13:17.716+00:00Cramp Ball (Daldinia concentrica)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/6696179111/" title="Cramp Ball (Daldinia concentrica)"><img alt="Cramp Ball (Daldinia concentrica) by Peter Orchard" height="507" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6696179111_da8e0c092d.jpg" width="676" /></a><br /><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">These black, crusty balls that appear on dead twigs and branches are also commonly known as King Alfred's Cakes. It is not hard to see why but if this what the cakes looked like after Alfred neglected them then I am pretty sure his wife(?) would have been pretty livid!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have no idea why they are called cramp balls however, medical connection perhaps?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cramp balls do not really look like a fungus. They don't look like anything else really! Just round and, at first brown, but soon shiny black coloured. If you cut one in half you will find silver coloured concentric rings inside - concentrica.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Common on dead Ash and Beech and so found in most woodlands. Not edible, I think you might break a few teeth if you tried!</div><p></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-34802375445986468572023-09-08T10:10:00.004+00:002023-09-08T10:10:23.687+00:00Jelly Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/6702300707/" title="Jew's Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae)"><img alt="Jew's Ear Fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) by Peter Orchard" height="498" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6702300707_ac527404d6.jpg" width="664" /></a><br /><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">The scientific name of the this strange fungus is auricula-judae which means "like a Jew's ear". These days however, it is now being referred to as jelly-ear fungus instead. The Latin scientific name remains the same.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Whilst most common, like many fungi, in the autumn you can find Jelly-ear all year road growing on various types of soft wood but it has a particular preference for Elder.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Very common and edible too, what's for breakfast?</div><p></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-5062856970623046022023-09-08T10:03:00.003+00:002023-09-08T10:03:42.623+00:00Wood Mushroom (Agaricus silvicola)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7473096812/" title="Wood Mushroom (Agaricus silvicola)"><img alt="Wood Mushroom (Agaricus silvicola) by Peter Orchard" height="494" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7473096812_0c60319c29.jpg" width="658" /></a><br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The wood mushroom is the woodland equivalent of the field mushroom! Rather than appearing on grassland the wood mushroom lives up to its name and can be found in both deciduous and coniferous woods; it has a liking for beech trees. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It has a creamy cap that can tinge yellow and has a scent of aniseed. It is an autumn species that tends to occur on open soil rather than amongst leaf litter so look for it on banks and sloping ground free of lying leaves. It usually occurs in small groups but it can also appear in troops as well.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is a widespread species but not that common. It can be found in the autumn and is edible; but is best avoided in case of confusion with some of the deadly amanita species.<br /></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-69901319200160059052023-09-01T15:33:00.006+00:002023-09-01T15:33:50.593+00:00Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/4790352129/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="516" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4790352129_fe942e3139_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="684" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until I started out attempting to identify all aspects of nature some 35 years ago I always thought that this plant was deadly nightshade! However, one of the first unusual plants I found back then turned out to be, on investigation, deadly nightshade and so I had to hastily modify a fair number of records I had made of this one to bittersweet. It was a bitter-sweet experience!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bittersweet, also known as woody nightshade, is a member of the nightshade family and is also related to the Potato. The flowers and berries are very similar to those you might find on Potatoes growing in your garden or allotment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Flowering from June through until September in a wide range of habitat bittersweet is common here in Dorset.</div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-31989428153667960732023-09-01T15:30:00.002+00:002023-09-01T15:30:28.762+00:00Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYu7H1b4ed9O9VwmH_eV-AlpfFSbH2kcej9FupOyGbArsq84N7UK5ZkIS78PovnWyN1IqtzvhrxJmzu157XDzFoPPwXSk2My87oaQG5Q2j0n7kCr0ITCEe0U7ctafClhysDOqij8KA-IgVw3WowxDLE-rrnrLTVzhfuum4fje19wroYdZjVmg3mUxjblc/s1232/Purple-loosestrife-61.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1232" height="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYu7H1b4ed9O9VwmH_eV-AlpfFSbH2kcej9FupOyGbArsq84N7UK5ZkIS78PovnWyN1IqtzvhrxJmzu157XDzFoPPwXSk2My87oaQG5Q2j0n7kCr0ITCEe0U7ctafClhysDOqij8KA-IgVw3WowxDLE-rrnrLTVzhfuum4fje19wroYdZjVmg3mUxjblc/w649-h487/Purple-loosestrife-61.JPG" width="649" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some seed collected whilst out on a walk some years ago means we are now treated to a most glorious display of the lovely purple loosestrife spikes every summer in July and August.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are very much part of the wildlife theme in our garden as these tall, multiple, flower heads are adored by bees and hoverflies and on warm days you can hear the buzzing of bumble bees and honey bees from some distance away!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst I would never advocate the collecting of plants from the wild, collecting some seed and helping them to germinate and establish in a suitable environment where they are benefit to other creatures cannot be a bad thing.</div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-61880902808556534662023-09-01T15:19:00.002+00:002023-09-01T15:19:24.746+00:00Toothe Tiger Ichneumon (Amblyteles armatorius)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/6334595395/" title="Ichneumon Fly (Amblyteles armatorius)"><img alt="Ichneumon Fly (Amblyteles armatorius) by Peter Orchard" height="510" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6334595395_1615bd3255.jpg" width="680" /></a><br /><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Ichneumon flies are not flies, they are more closely related to wasps and bees in the order hymenoptera and that is not hard to believe when you see them, especially this one, Amblyteles armatorius, with its striking yellow and black colouring.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This species is very common in mid-summer, frequently seen on the flowers of umbeliferae (especially hogweed and angelica) but you will also find them on thistles and brambles. It is probably the most common of the ichneumons and can be seen by day in sunshine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The colours say 'keep away, I'm dangerous' and although harmless to humans having no bite or sting, they are far from harmless to moth caterpillars, especially those of the noctuid family. The ichneumons are parasitic, laying their eggs inside a living caterpillar and the larvae then eats the caterpillar from the inside out! Nature can seem cruel at times and yet it is fascinating too. One can feel sorry for the moth or admire the ichneumon (or may be both?).</div><p></p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-32106232180660689322023-09-01T15:13:00.003+00:002023-09-01T15:13:24.196+00:00Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/4898132921/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="517" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4898132921_37ba52140f_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="685" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those of you who know yarrow might well think that that is what this is, but it's not. It is an Achillea like yarrow but this is a smaller plant with less feathery leaves and larger individual florets.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Flowering in July and August, riversides and wet meadows are good places to look for flowers a bit out of the ordinary and that is where you find sneezewort.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sneezewort is described as being 'local' and so where it occurs it is usually quite common but finding places where it occurs is a bit more difficult. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have no idea why it is called sneezewort but I suspect it has connections to the Great Plague!</div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-42009713992549330082023-08-22T14:56:00.005+00:002023-08-22T14:56:51.600+00:00Betony (Stachys officinalis)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/4876629926/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="881" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4876629926_cf4bce383c_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="665" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Betony is a classic example of the Labiate family; multiple tubular flowers on a square stem and with pointed leaves coming out in opposite pairs up the stem.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although Betony flowers from June September it seems to be at its best now that August has arrived.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Betony is at home in woods, on grassland and even heaths and does not mind whether the the soil is calcareous (therefore alkaline) or acid.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is quite common in Dorset where it occurs but it does not occur everywhere, you have to look for it!</div>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-61685393806204356352023-08-17T15:46:00.006+00:002023-08-17T15:46:51.237+00:00Red Cracking Bolete (Xerocomus chrysenteron)<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/7521110894/" title="Red Cracking Bolete (Xerocomus chrysenteron)"><img alt="Red Cracking Bolete (Xerocomus chrysenteron) by Peter Orchard" height="508" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7521110894_735d659935.jpg" width="677" /></a><br /><br /></div><p>Many bolete have a cracked surface to the cap but with some it is an identifying feature. The Red-Cracking Bolete has a reddish cap that readily cracks to show the yellow flesh of the pores underneath. </p><p>This is a common fungus not only found in woods but also in parks and pastures, especially where beech or larch are nearby. Generally a solitary species, although occasionally in small groups, this can be found from late summer through to early winter.</p><p>It is edible, especially if you like eating sponge!</p>Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6446765189438424663.post-25297594828880823662023-08-17T15:44:00.000+00:002023-08-17T15:44:15.105+00:00Honey Fungus (Armillaria melles)<div style="float: right; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_orchard/5159064164/" title="photo sharing"><img alt="" height="517" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/5159064164_5d1e3a1dfb_m.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="686" /></a><br /><br /></div>This is an aptly named fungus. It not only has it the colour of honey but it has a slightly sticky appearance which makes it look as though it has been smeared with honey.<br /><br />It always grows in these 'clumps' and can be found on tree stumps, buried branches and dead roots of trees of all kinds. It also produces the common white rot you see on dead wood.<br /><br />This fungus is a deadly parasite in woods, plantations and gardens and is certain death to any tree that becomes infected by it. It accounts for the loss of considerable amounts of commercial timber each year and is virtually impossible to eradicate once established. It can wreak havoc in gardens amongst shrubs.<br /><br />It is also known as Boot-lace Fungus as it has long black cords that spread underground to infect new trees. <br /><br />It is a very common species. The fruiting bodies appear in late summer and early autumn and are edible when young but become toxic with age.<br clear="all" />Peter Orchardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15749835065138886425noreply@blogger.com1