Ranger Claire Beale recently spotted two unusual mushrooms on Magog Down – the White Saddle Helvella crispa and the Elfin Saddle Helvella lacunosa.
Named because of their saddle-like caps, these interesting fungi belong to a distinct division called ‘spore shooters’.
The spores form inside sacs just beneath the surface of the wrinkled caps of the mushroom. The tiny dust-like particles shoot out when they are ripe and germinate wherever conditions are suitable. (The other distinct fungi group are the ‘spore droppers’.)
Both of these mushrooms have irregularly-shaped convoluted lobes. The lobes of the White Saddle are whitish, with pale buff or tan undersides. The Elfin Saddle has grey to blackish lobes, with the undersides paler. The stems of both are deeply furrowed and hollow.
The White Saddle grows in grass as well as deciduous woodlands, appearing from the end of summer until the end of autumn. It can be seen along path sides in the woods on Magog Down, especially under beech trees, and also along well-trodden grassy paths. The photo above was taken on North Down.
The Elfin Saddle is also found in mixed woodland in summer and autumn. This photo was taken in Colin’s Wood.
Warning – Some species of fungi are poisonous. Visitors to Magog Down are reminded that they should not eat or touch any fungi found on the Down.