Emily Johnson
New Zealand is home to a fascinating mix of native, endemic, and introduced fungi, with a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Fungi enthusiasts can explore the diverse world of mushrooms, ranging from colourful to delicious, weird to downright disgusting. With practice, patience, and a keen eye, one can venture into the wild and discover the wonders of mushrooms in New Zealand. However, it is essential to be cautious as many mushrooms are poisonous, and proper identification is crucial before consumption. Resources such as field guides, online platforms, and expert advice are valuable tools for identifying mushrooms and ensuring a safe and enjoyable foraging experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to search for mushrooms | After rainfall, especially in autumn and winter |
| Mushroom longevity | From a few hours to 20 years |
| Mushroom characteristics | Come in all colours of the rainbow, some glow in the dark |
| Number of fungal species in New Zealand | Estimated to be at least 13,000 species of indigenous fungi |
| Mushroom identification | Use online platforms like iNaturalist, Facebook groups, field guides, or consult a mushroom expert |
| Mushroom foraging tips | Use iNaturalist.nz to identify species in your area, birch boletes are commonly found in urban centres, porcini can be found in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin |
| Edible mushrooms | Birch boletes, porcini, slippery jacks |
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What You'll Learn
- Use online resources like iNaturalist.nz and Facebook groups to identify mushrooms
- Consult field guides and books to help identify mushrooms
- Look for mushrooms after rainfall in autumn and winter
- Examine the stem and cap, check for staining, take a spore print to identify the species
- Remember that many mushrooms are poisonous and hard to identify, so consult an expert before consuming
Use online resources like iNaturalist.nz and Facebook groups to identify mushrooms
INaturalist NZ is a great online resource for mushroom identification. It is a citizen science platform where you can upload photos of your fungal finds, and experts will identify them for you. To increase the likelihood of a successful identification, it is recommended that you provide pictures of the top of the cap, the fertile surface (pores, gills, teeth, etc.), the stem, and the gill attachment point if the mushroom has one. You should also include information about the type of forest in which the mushroom was found, if possible. It is also important to only upload photos of mushrooms that are in good condition and have not been exposed to extreme weather conditions, as older mushrooms can change and become unrecognizable.
While iNaturalist NZ is a fantastic resource, it is important to note that not all mushrooms can be identified, even with DNA or microscopy. Additionally, most fungi in New Zealand have not been named or described, which can make identification challenging.
Facebook groups are another useful online tool for mushroom identification. There are several groups dedicated to New Zealand fungi identification, including "Mushroom Hunting NZ". These groups provide a community for learning and sharing identification tips and suggestions.
Online resources like iNaturalist NZ and Facebook groups can be valuable tools for identifying mushrooms in New Zealand. By utilizing these resources and following the provided guidelines, you can increase your chances of successfully identifying the mushrooms you encounter.
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Consult field guides and books to help identify mushrooms
New Zealand is home to a fascinating mix of native, endemic, and introduced fungi. Fungi grow in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, with some even glowing in the dark. While mushrooms are the most familiar type of fungi, not all fungi produce mushrooms. Out of an estimated 5 million species of fungi, only about 14,000 produce mushrooms.
To identify mushrooms, it is recommended to consult field guides and books. Some books to help you identify mushrooms in New Zealand include "A Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi", "Forest Fungi Photo Guides", and "Mushrooms and Other Fungi of New Zealand". These guides provide detailed information and photographs to help identify the diverse range of fungi found in New Zealand.
In addition to books, there are also online resources available, such as the websites developed by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research: the Fungal Guide and the Virtual Mycota. These websites use pictorial keys and interactive tools to help identify mushrooms and other fungi. The Virtual Mycota, for example, provides an interactive key to the mushroom genera Russula and Lactarius.
Field guides often contain modern colour photographs and detailed descriptions of fungi, making it easier to identify specific species. When using field guides, it is important to note that much of the information can be highly technical, and you may need to know the scientific name of the fungus to access all the information.
By consulting field guides and books, you can improve your knowledge and skills in identifying mushrooms and other fungi in New Zealand. With practice, patience, and a sharp eye, you can explore and appreciate the unique and diverse world of fungi that Aotearoa has to offer.
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Look for mushrooms after rainfall in autumn and winter
New Zealand is home to a fascinating mix of native, endemic, and introduced fungi. The country's diverse fungal species range from the microscopic to the colourful, delicious, weird, and downright disgusting. The best time to look for mushrooms is after rainfall in the autumn and winter months.
Mushrooms are the most familiar type of fungi, but not all fungi produce mushrooms. Out of an estimated 5 million species of fungi, only about 14,000 produce mushrooms. New Zealand's fungi come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and in all colours of the rainbow. Some even glow in the dark!
Before heading out on a mushroom hunt, it's a good idea to use resources like iNaturalist.nz to find out what species grow in your area. Slippery jacks, for example, can be found throughout the country, while birch boletes are common in most urban centres, and porcini can be found in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
When looking for mushrooms after rainfall, it's important to remember that some mushrooms are very short-lived, lasting only days or hours. To identify mushrooms, it's best to take photos of the topside and underside of the fungus, along with information about the type of forest it's growing in. However, it's important to only photograph mushrooms that are in good condition, with a range of fruit bodies from immature to mature. Old, rotten, or dried-out mushrooms can be challenging to identify.
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Examine the stem and cap, check for staining, take a spore print to identify the species
When identifying mushrooms in New Zealand, there are several key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to examine the stem and cap of the mushroom. The stem and cap can provide important visual cues about the species of the mushroom. Look for distinctive features such as colour, size, and shape. Some mushrooms have unique characteristics, such as a slimy texture or a nuttier aroma, which can help in identification.
Another crucial step is to check for staining. Cut the flesh of the mushroom and observe any colour changes. Different mushroom species will have varying staining reactions, which can be a key differentiator. For example, the slippery jack, birch bolete, and porcini are three distinct species commonly found in New Zealand, each with unique characteristics.
Taking a spore print is an essential step in identifying the species of mushroom. Mushrooms, also known as the 'fruiting body', contain millions of spores. By placing the mushroom cap downwards on a piece of paper or glass, you can collect the spores that fall. The colour of the spores can be a critical factor in identification. Spore prints can be taken with mature mushrooms, and the results can be compared to field guides or online resources for confirmation.
It is important to note that not all mushrooms are safe to touch or consume. While mushrooms are perfectly safe to handle, it is recommended to wash your hands afterward. When it comes to consumption, it is crucial to consult field guides or experts before eating any wild mushrooms, as some species are poisonous.
Additionally, when identifying mushrooms, it is best to look for them after rainfall, especially in autumn and winter. Using resources such as iNaturalist.nz, field guides, and Facebook groups can aid in the identification process. With practice, patience, and a keen eye, you can explore the diverse world of mushrooms in New Zealand.
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Remember that many mushrooms are poisonous and hard to identify, so consult an expert before consuming
New Zealand is home to a fascinating mix of native, endemic, and introduced fungi, with a splendid array of mushrooms in all colours of the rainbow. Some even glow in the dark! While many mushrooms are edible, there are also poisonous look-alikes, and many are hard to identify. It is important to remember that consuming the wrong type of mushroom can have serious health consequences, including death. Therefore, it is crucial to consult an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
To identify mushrooms, it is recommended to use field guides or consult experts. Online platforms such as iNaturalist can be helpful, where you can upload photos of the topside and underside of the mushroom, along with information about the forest where it was found. Facebook groups, such as Mushroom Hunting NZ, also provide a community of experts and hobbyists who can help with identification.
When foraging for mushrooms, it is essential to follow some safety guidelines. Firstly, only collect mushrooms that are in good condition and have a range of fruit bodies from immature to mature. Old, rotten, or dried-out mushrooms can be challenging to identify. Secondly, do not consume any mushrooms unless you are 100% sure of their edibility. This means properly identifying the species and verifying that it is safe to eat. It is always better to err on the side of caution and leave any mushrooms you are unsure about.
Additionally, it is important to wash your hands after handling mushrooms, as some species can be irritants or even toxic when touched. It is also recommended to properly research and identify mushrooms before handling them, as some species can have adverse effects even through skin contact. While mushrooms are a fascinating and delicious part of New Zealand's ecosystem, it is crucial to approach foraging and consumption with caution and respect for the potential dangers.
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Frequently asked questions
Use iNaturalist.nz to find out what species grow in your area. Take good photos of the topside and underside of the mushroom, as well as the type of forest it is growing in. You can also consult field guides, such as "A Field Guide to New Zealand Fungi", or join Facebook groups like "Mushroom Hunting of New Zealand" for help with identification.
Mushroom foraging season is during autumn and winter, especially in the days following rainfall. Some areas, like the West Coast of the South Island, have mushrooms all year round.
Birch boletes, porcini, and slippery jacks are some common edible mushrooms in New Zealand. However, never eat anything you are not 100% sure about.
Boletes are a good place to start for beginners as they are easier to identify. They are "fleshy stalked pore fungi that usually grow on the ground in wooded areas".
The scientific name for a mushroom is the 'fruiting body', which contains millions of spores.
