Fungimap Inc. is a not-for-profit citizen science organisation dedicated to raising the profile of Australia's incredible fungal diversity. Our emphasis is on enjoying and learning about fungi, with a focus on macrofungi in the natural environment.
Fungimap eNews 30 - March 2020
A COVID-19 update from Fungimap
With the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis deepening around the world, and the resulting suspension of volunteer programs at Fungimap's host organisation the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, we have taken the measure of closing the Fungimap Shop and office until further notice.
While some volunteer roles, such as identifications on our iNaturalist project may continue to be performed remotely over this period, we anticipate most of Fungimap's core activities will pause for the time being. Our identifications and general enquiries emails will still be monitored sporadically.
Unfortunately, restrictions on group activities have resulted in mass cancellations of forays and workshops as we enter the southern fungi season; we've updated our website to reflect this. We'll keep an eye out for suitably socially distant activities to share with our community as they emerge.
In the meantime, please take care as we all navigate this rather unusual period.
Image: Roridomyces austrororidus (iNaturalist: Franklin Hermit CC-BY)
Vale Bettye Rees
Fungimap is saddened to learn of the recent passing of mycologist Bettye Rees. From iFungi AU: Bettye was a Foundation Member of the Sydney Fungal Studies Group Inc. She made a valuable contribution to Australian mycology over many years. She continued to make an enormous contribution to the SFSGI until her illness caused her resignation in 2012. Bettye regularly attended field studies and workshops and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of fungi, field observation and recording techniques. Bettye's contribution is now remembered forever by her discovery in the Lane Cove Bushland Reserve and the subsequent naming of Hygrocybe reesiae. Bettye's knowledge, commitment and contributions to all things fungi will be missed.
Image: Hygrocybe reesiae (Judith Gover - SFSGI).
Find out more about our fire fungi
After this summer's widespread fires many people are returning to these areas to begin to monitor the the recovery of our bushlands. We are hoping that you will help us learn more about how Australian fungi respond after fire. If you are in a fire-affected area and you see a fungus please submit it to our iNaturalist project Fungimap Australia.
N.B. Please ensure you comply with up-to-date restrictions on exercise and public gatherings when visiting public areas, and avoid long periods away from home as required as part of the Australian Government's response to COVID-19.
It seems many people have responded to the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic by taking solace in the garden. For the uninitiated the appearance of a fungus in a garden bed can be misconstrued as something to fear, but as Alison Pouliot explains most macrofungi are indicators of a healthy and productive system and ought to be embraced by gardeners.
Read more at The Ageand listen to Alison's recent in-depth interview on Melbourne community radio 3RRR here.
Panaeolus axfordii - a new species named after Australian photographer Steve Axford
A new species of Panelous has been described in Yunan, China with the specific epithet axfordii, so named for Australian fungi photographer and cinematographer Steve Axford. Visit a gallery of Steve's stunning photography on the Fungimap website.
Image: A new species of Panaeolus (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Yunnan, Southwest China - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Panaeolus-axfordii-sp-nov-a-b-Basidiocarps-in-their-natural-habitat-c-Basidiospores_fig1_339459453 [accessed 27 Mar, 2020]
Fungi Events
With most forays and workshops cancelled in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit the Fungimap website for up-to-date information about events in your area.
We need your support - sign up today as a Fungimap member.
With the temporary closure of the Fungimap Shop, we need your support now more than ever. Find out more about becoming a member or making a donation to Fungimap on our website.