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False Truffle

Zelleromyces sp.

Photo by Leuba Ridgway
Published on Project Noah
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-37.8795, 145.381

Field Notes

Description:

Bright orange nodular fungi partially exposed in damp soil. The nodules were lobulated and hard. The largest was about 15 mm across.

Habitat:

Spotted at the base of a huge eucalypt. Possibly exposed by birds scratching the soil for food- Dandenong Ranges National Park (Sherbrooke Forest). Map location -approximate

Notes:

These false truffles are said to have a white latex-like exudate when cut. I did not want to disturb them so left them covered in soil. An exciting find ! <br> For some great information on hypogeous fungi in Australia please read <br> https://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/truffle-like.html <br>
These fungi come in various colours and consistency. <br>
Family: Russulaceae

Reference Links:

Zelleromyces - Wikipedia, Zelleromyces | Atlas of Living Australia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (5)
Leuba Ridgway
Ha Ha Tukup, You're welcome. I think I have the lyrebirds to thank - they've been scratching out some of the top soil layers. Almost walked past these but the bright colour was something i couldn't miss. My motto - take shots of everything unusual/strange and it will turn out to be something interesting. BTW, I've never seen a truffle real or fake before now !
Tukup
If you say so :-) I wouldn't know a false truffle from a real one, having never seen a truffle. I'm beginning to think the fungi group must be huge. They are really interesting. Thanks for sharing this Leuba. "Eagle Eye?? :-)
Leuba Ridgway
Thanks Saturniidae27. It was like finding gold for me ! I've read about these things but neve thought I'd find some.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Mushroom Mapping
Mission
Dandenong Ranges - fauna & flora

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMay 23, 2020

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