Salmon Salad anyone?


An early fungi foray paid off yesterday morning with another lifer for me. I came across this cluster of bright coloured fungi as I was walking back at the end of the foray. Other species had been seen but nothing new, but when I saw this I knew it was going to be a lifer for me.

At first I thought it may be Pigs Ear Fungus, but it didn't seem right. I couldn't think what else it could be and in the end I settled for Orange Peel Fungus - although the colour didn't seem right.  I pondered all afternoon and then I found what it was Salmon Salad.  I was overjoyed. This is indeed another lifer, and it was great specimen.

The Salmon Salad is a rare and significant find. The unusual, petal-like lobed fruit bodies grow in clusters. Each lobe is shaped like a trumpet with a split down each side. The flesh was gelatinous and even though this species is actually edible, it does not have a distinctive odour or taste to it (according to the books).

I always get a race in my heart when I find a fungi that I know is new for me, and never tire of natures diverse range of fungi colours and shapes. Long may this great fungi season so far continue.























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