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Leathery Earthfan
Thelephora sp.
-28.8703, 151.968
Field Notes
Description:
Some interesting fungus I found on a rocky fire trail. Thelephora is a genus of fungi in the family Thelephoraceae. The genus has a widespread distribution and contains about 50 species. Fruit bodies of species are leathery, usually brownish at maturity, and range in shape from coral-like tufts to having distinct caps. Almost all species in the genus are thought to be inedible. Species in the genus are commonly known as "fiber fans" and "fiber vases". (Wikipedia) .....although I particularly like the common name "leathery earthfans" which applies to the family group Thelephoraceae. NB: The species Thelephora terrestris looks very promising and is well documented in Australia.... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelephora_terrestris https://bie.ala.org.au/species/62dace3f-113e-408b-809c-be36a25bcabe However, it does have an association with pine trees and forests, of which there are none in GIrraween, but maybe it also has an association with native Australian cypress species? Native cypress is also in the Pinales order, and there's Callitris endlicheri (black cypress) all over Girraween, as well as C. rhomboidea (dune cypress) and C. monticola (dwarf cypress).
Habitat:
Spotted along a fire trail, approaching the Peak Trail in Girraween National Park. Dry sclerophyll forest with sandy granite soils, substantial undergrowth and accumulated leaf litter, and foliage much greener and lush since the drought has broken. Exposed to full-sun along this section of track, although there were some areas that were still damp and muddy from recent rain. Here's some park info - http://www.rymich.com/girraween/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girraween_National_Park
Notes:
Many thanks to the folks in the Facebook group Australia & New Zealand Fungus Identification, for their assistance in helping me to ID this spotting.
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