New Zealand Fungi

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DSC_5719 Carmine chalk cap (Russula kermesina) a partially 'encapsulated' fungi, which never opens fully. Having lost the ability to forceful eject the spores, these fungi instead rely on insects and birds to eat them and disperse the spores. Russulas have brittle stems which snap like a piece of chalk when bent. Waikaia Bush. *

DSC 5719 Red button chalk cap Macowanites carmineus Russula kermesina encapsulated fungus brittle stem Waikaia Bush