DSC_1876 (Phallobata alba) sliced cross section showing gleba at the base, and the elongated sterile lobes of the fruiting body, found in cloud forest in June 2020. It is a critically endangered native fungus known from only a few locations, both here and in Australia. It usually grows from buried decaying wood. Otago *
DSC_2962 Purple potato fungus (Gallacea scleroderma) amongst litter, half buried in the ground in beech forest. Easily recognised by its purple colouring and wrinkled texture, although the Royal pouch fungus (Cortinarius porphyroideus) is also a common purple fungus in beech forest (differing in having a stalk). April to June. The Purple potato fungus has its closest relatives amongst the stinkhorns. Mavora Lakes *
DSC_2099 Purple potato fungus (Gallacea scleroderma) half buried in the ground in beech litter. Easily recognised by its purple colouring and wrinkled texture, although the Royal pouch fungus (Cortinarius porphyroideus) is also a common purple fungus in beech forest (differing in having a stalk). April to June. The Purple potato fungus has its closest relatives amongst the stinkhorns. O'Malleys Track, Waimakariri River *
