Category: Plant Life

Shaggy Parasol

The common name, Shaggy parasol, is actually the name for 2 mushroom species that are closely related to each other – the Chlorophyllum rhacodes and the Chlorophyllum brunneum. These mushrooms are found in Europe and North America, and the Chlorophyllum brunneum is found in Australia as well. The Shaggy parasol is commonly found in Europe

Pinguicula moranensis

The Pinguicula moranesis is an insectivorous herb that is native to both Guatemala and Mexico. It is species of butterwort which innocently looks like summer rosettes. However, this sneaky little creature is actually carnivorous. Don't let this innocent plant fool you - it's carnivorous! Humboldt and Bonpland first collected this species in the outskirts of

Polyozellus multiplex

Polyzellus is a fungi that belongs to the Thelephoraceae family, also known as leathery earthfans. This genus only contains a single species, called the Polyozellus multiplex, also known as the clustered blue chanterelle, blue chanterelle, or the black chanterelle (Alaska only). This fungus is quite distinctive, causing a lot of variations in taxonomic history. Also

Mycena haematopus

Also known as the bleeding Mycena, bleeding fairy helmet, and the burgundydrop bonnet, the Mycena haematopus is a fungal species that belongs to the order Agaricales. It is common and widespread in North America and Europe. It has also been found in Venezuela and Japan. This fungus was first scientifically described in 1799. This mushroom

Hairpin Banksia

Formerly known as the Prickly-leaved Banksia, the Hairpin Banksia is a woody shrub that belongs to the genus Banksia. It is native to eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria. It was first scientifically described in 1793 by Englishman, James Edward Smith through a collection that was collected by John White a year earlier. There are

Spiny Puffball

Also known as the spiny or the spring puffball, Lycoperdon echinatum is a puffball mushroom that belongs to the genus Lycoperdon. This species has been found in North and Central America, Europe, and Africa. This puffball is spiny The fruit body of the Lycoperdon echinatum is between 2 to 4 cm wide and 2 to

Rhodotus

The Rhodotus is a genus belonging to the Physalacriaceae family which is actually just a monotypic genus as it only consists of one mushroom species. This species is called Rhodotus palmatus, but it is also known as the netted Rhodotus, wrinkled peach, or the rosy veincap. It is an uncommon species that has been collected

Scarlet Cup

The Scarlet Elf Cup, also known as the Scarlet Cup, is a fungal species that belongs to the Sarcosyphaceae family of the Pezizales order. This fungus is found all over the northern hemisphere, as well as in Australia and South America. This species has been known in scientific literature since 1772. It is thought to

Lactarius indigo

Also known as the blue Lactarius, indigo Lactarius, or the indigo milk cap, the Lactarius indigo is part of the fungus kingdom’s Russulaceae family. It can be found in Central America, North America, and East Asia. It is an edible mushroom that is sold at the markets in rural Mexico, Guatamela, and China. A uniquely

Swamp Fox Banksia

Also known as the Marsh Banksia, the Swamp Fox Banksia is an aptly named banksia that grows amongst marshes and swamps in the lower west coast of Western Australia. This bush grows up to 2 metres tall and produces lots of nectar. It was first collected by James Drummond and Ludwig Preiss in 1840. It

Fungus

A well known member of a large group of organisms (including micro-organisms) include fungus. These organisms which include mould, yeast, and mushrooms form a scientifically classified kingdom called fungi. This kingdom is separate from bacteria, plants, and animals. Fungus from Patagonia One of the major differences between fungi and other kingdoms are that the cells

Albany Banksia

Also known as the Granite Banksia, the Albany Banksia is a species of shrub (and rarely seen as a tree) that belongs to the genus Banksia. It is native to the south-west region of Western Australia, and this small shrub can reach up to 3 metres tall. However, in sheltered areas it can grow larger.

Hydnellum peckii

The Hydnellum peckii is a fungus that belongs to the genus Hydenellum and the Bankeraceae faily. This species is found in Europe and North America, as well as Korea and Iran. This fungus species is a mycorrhizal species that forms mutually beneficial relationships with coniferous trees. Doesn't look like an ordinary fungus This unusual looking

Violet Banksia

The Violet Banksia is a tree or shrub species that belongs to the genus Banksia. This shrub is only found in Western Australia and is well known for its purple-violet inflorescences and grows in sandy soils. Violet banksia inflorescence It was first described by Charles Gardner in 1927. There are no recognised varieties or subspecies

Short-stemmed slippery Jack

Also known as the stubby-stalk, the short-stemmed slippery Jack was first described in the late 19th century by American mycologists. It is found all over North America, and in some areas overseas as well. It is native to North America It was first scientifically described as Boletus viscosus by Charles Frost in 1874. However, in