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COUNTRYSIDE NEWS October 2014 Wildlife Around and About East Lothian
Us humans like to categorise things, we like to put them into groups. You know the sort of thing – “that’s a tree; that’s a bakewell tart; he’s a numpty” etc. It seems to make the world a more manageable place somehow. Biologists are no different; in fact they’ve got it down to a fine art – or more accurately a science, called taxonomy. It used to be that people talked in terms of two taxonomic kingdoms – plants and animals – and all living things fitted into these. However, things are a bit more complicated than that. There are now thought to be five kingdoms (or possibly seven depending on which taxonomist you speak to), one of which is the fungi. All of this is a very longwinded way of saying October is a good time to look for mushrooms. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the mushroom/toadstool thing that we see is only a part of the fungus as a whole. The main body of the fungus is formed of the mycelium, a fine network of thin threads (or hyphae if we’re being technical). This is hidden in the soil, in dead wood or whatever medium it’s growing in. The mushroom itself is the fruiting body of the fungus, which emerges from the ground allowing the spores to develop and disperse on the wind. Fungi come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and have a fantastically diverse range of lifestyles. Some are parasitic - on trees, insects or even other fungi. Many live on dead wood or leaf-litter and help to recycle nutrients from these back into the soil, providing a valuable service to plants. Some even enter into symbiotic (i.e. mutually beneficial) relationships with trees. In this case the fungus feeds on the products of the tree’s photosynthesis, whilst the plant gains chemicals such as nitrogen from the fungal action in the soil. It’s a win-win situation really, and a good example of the sort of cooperation that can occur in nature. So, what to look out for at the moment? Cup fungi belong to a group called Orange cup the ascomycetes, although they’re also known as “spore-shooters”, which is a bit easier to remember. They get this name because rather than simply releasing their spores into the air they fire them from specially adapted cells, occasionally reaching distances of 30cm. The orange cup fungus takes the unsurprising form of a bright orange cup, up to 1.5 cm across. When young these are usually just concave discs, but as they age the cup becomes deeper and more irregular. They can be found alone, or in small groups, in soil in woodland clearings and other open areas. A more traditionally mushroom-shaped group are the russulas, or brittlegills. The caps of these fungi come in a variety of brilliant colours, including reds, yellows and purples. This often contrasts with the clear white of the gills (the grooved bits on the underside of the cap) and the stipe (or stalk). They generally grow in deciduous woodlands where they form symbiotic relationships with trees, although can be found in a variety of other habitats. Russula Some are edible, whilst others are poisonous, although not usually fatally. So, fungi are a wonderful, weirdly fascinating bunch of organisms. Perhaps the best things about them are their names. Who couldn’t love blueleg brownies, lacquered brackets, hairy earthtongues or scurfy twiglets? Not to mention cramp balls. Forthcoming Ranger Service Events: Sunday October 26th Hopes Hill Circuit A 6 mile (9.5km) circular hill walk in the Lammermuirs, mostly along farm tracks and including some steep climbs. Perfect for hill-walking beginners with a good level of fitness. Don’t forget the clocks go back! Hikes are charged at £4 per person. Details provided when booking. To book a place phone 01620 827421.