Friends of Mary Cairncross Association recently employed Mycologist - Dr.Sapphire McMullen Fisher to survey fungi in the Rainforest Reserve.
Sapphire's update on her survey, to the volunteers at the Reserve:
Sapphire described the Reserve as an "awesome patch" with a fabulous muchroom variety. There are very few experts in Australia in this field. Sapphire reported finding a species of coral fungi, that is on a red list, a rare endangered species globally, and rare also for the M.C.S.Reserve. (Hericium Coralloides) This is a new recording, and a first for M.C.S.R. She has also reported the second finding of another rare fungus, waxcaps, in the Reserve. Hygrocybe Bolensis. The first recording of this fungus was in N.S.W.
When fungus specimens are taken for scientific purposes, Sapphire assures us only the surface fruiting body is taken. This does not destroy the whole fungus. Sapphire has collected species< 25 species identified.
Goblet or Yellow foot fungi found in Reserve - Microporus Xanthopus
Common Bracket fungi found in Reserve - Stereum Ostrea
photos courtesy of Till Lomeyer, mycologist, Germany
FINAL REPORT
Dr.Sapphire McMullan-Fisher has presented a final report of her Macrofungal Assessment at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in booklet form to the Volunteers and Management Committee of the M.C.S.R. Education Centre, The first book contains a comprehensive write up of her assessment. The second book is a beautifully presented colorful photographic display of fungal specimens encountered in the Reserve.
