Fungi
Fungi, which are much more common in our environments than we realize, play a major ecological role in decomposing dead organic matter. This process releases nutrients that plants use in their growth. Many terrestrial fungi consist of an underground network of "roots" called mycelia. Fruiting bodies called mushrooms appear sporadically when conditions are right. Technically called sporocarps, these structures are as important in identifying fungi as flowers are in plants. The best time of year to observe the sporocarps of fungi is in winter when the soil and organic material are wet from winter rains.
Ascomycota (sac fungi)
Xylariales
Xylariaceae
| Species |
Common name |
| Daldinia grandis |
Carbon balls |
Basidiomycota (club fungi)
Aphyllophorales
Polyporaceae
| Species |
Common name |
| Crepidotus mollis |
|
| Ganoderma applantum applanatum |
Artist's conk |
| Lactarius alnicola |
Golden milk cap |
| Letiporus gilbertsonii |
Sulfur shelf |
| Phellinus giluus |
Oak conk |
| Russula cyanoxantha |
Variegated Russula |
| Stereum hirsutum |
False turkey tail |
| Trametes versicolor |
Turkey tail |
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