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Mushrooms are fungi, not plants, and therefore have a unique growth process. They grow in a variety of habitats across Australia, including freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments. There are an estimated 250,000 species of fungi in Australia, with only about 5,000 described, and of these, only a small percentage have been deemed edible. The most common species consumed in Australia is Agaricus bisporus, which includes store-bought varieties like white button mushrooms, cups, and portobellos. However, wild mushrooms can be dangerous, as some species are toxic and can cause serious illness or even death. Foraging for wild mushrooms is not recommended, and it is advised to only consume mushrooms purchased from reputable retailers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fungal species in Australia | 250,000 (estimated) |
| Number of mushroom species in Australia | 5,000 (estimated) |
| Number of mushroom species assessed as edible | Very few |
| Number of mushroom species assessed as toxic | Not known |
| Number of mushroom species described | 250 (5% of the estimated total) |
| Mushrooms grown commercially in Australia | Agaricus bisporus |
| Common store-bought varieties of Agaricus bisporus | White button mushrooms, cups, BBQ flats, Swiss brown, portobello |
| Mushrooms sold in Australia that are imported | Enoki mushrooms from China and South Korea |
| Mushrooms causing deaths in Australia | Amanita phalloides (Death Cap) |
| Books on Australian fungi | Rainforests of Australia's East Coast, A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia, The Magical World of Fungi, Victorian Toadstools and Mushrooms, Introduction to the Mushrooms, Toadstools and Larger Fungi of Queensland, Fungi of South-Eastern Australia, A Field Guide to the Common Genera of Gilled Fungi of Australia, A Field Guide to the Larger Fungi of the Darling Scarp & South West of Western Australia, Mushrooms and Toadstools of Australia, Australian Mushrooms and Toadstools, Rainforest Fungi of Tasmania and South-east Australia, Larger Fungi of South Australia, Fungi of Southern Australia, The Genus Mycena in South-Eastern Australia, Fungi of the South-West Forests, An Introduction to Fungi on Wood in Queensland, Fungi of Australia Hygrophoraceae, Wild Mushrooming: A guide for foragers |
| Organisations involved with mushrooms in Australia | CSIRO, AMGA, Victorian Department of Health, FSANZ |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms in urban areas
The Death Cap (Amanita phalloides), a deadly variety of mushroom found under oak trees in urban Canberra and Melbourne, is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths worldwide, including four deaths in Australia since 2002. It is important to treat any mushroom as toxic until proven otherwise, and proper identification skills are essential for safe foraging. Field guides and workshops can provide knowledge on identifying edible mushrooms and avoiding toxic species like the Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes, C. olivieri, and C. brunneum).
Foraging for wild mushrooms in urban areas of Australia can be a rewarding experience, but it requires knowledge and caution. The Urban Nanna, for instance, offers walk-and-talk sessions in Melbourne's Eastern suburbs, teaching participants how to identify edible mushrooms and avoid toxic varieties. With an estimated 250,000 species of fungi in Australia, of which only about 5,000 have been described, there is much to discover and learn about mushroom biodiversity in urban environments.
In addition to the risks posed by toxic mushrooms, it is important to be aware of the legal status of certain fungi in Australia. Magic mushrooms, for instance, are illegal to cultivate, manufacture, possess, use, or supply, despite their potential therapeutic properties. Clinical trials at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne are exploring the use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, to ease anxiety in palliative care patients. However, the legal status of magic mushrooms as controlled substances has hindered their study in Australia.
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Wild mushroom foraging
Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the Death Cap, is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths worldwide and has caused four deaths in Australia since 2002. Other toxic species found in Australia include the Shaggy Parasol (Chlorophyllum rhacodes, C. olivieri, and C. brunneum) and Chlorophyllum molybdites.
To safely forage for wild mushrooms, it is essential to have a solid understanding of mushroom identification and the basic anatomy of fungi. Reputable field guides, such as "Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers" by Alison Pouliot and Tom May, can provide valuable information on identifying and foraging for edible mushrooms in Australia. This guide also includes recipes that can be adapted for both foraged and cultivated fungi.
For beginners, it is recommended to start by familiarizing yourself with some of the more distinctive edible wild mushrooms in Australia, such as Saffron Milkcaps (also known as Pine Mushrooms or Red Pine Mushrooms), Weeping Boletes, Slippery Jacks, Wood Blewits, and Turkey Tails. These mushrooms can often be found at specialty grocers and farmers' markets, allowing you to cook and taste them to become familiar with their characteristics. Additionally, participating in walk-and-talk sessions or workshops, such as those offered in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, can provide practical experience in identifying and foraging for edible mushrooms in a specific region.
Remember, always take your time when identifying mushrooms, as the risks of misidentification can be severe. By combining knowledge from field guides, workshops, and your own research, you can safely enjoy the exciting world of wild mushroom foraging in Australia.
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Toxic and edible mushrooms
Australia is home to an estimated 250,000 species of fungi, of which only about 5,000 have been described. Of these, only a tiny fraction have been assessed as safely edible. Therefore, it is recommended to assume that any mushroom found in Australia is toxic unless proven otherwise.
One of the most toxic mushrooms in Australia is the Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the Death Cap. This species is responsible for 90% of mushroom-related deaths worldwide, and has caused at least four fatalities in Australia since 2002. The Death Cap can be found under oak trees in urban areas of Canberra and Melbourne, and it is spreading into native Nothofagus woodland, where it may be displacing local species. Other toxic mushrooms in Australia include Chlorophyllum rhacodes (or rachodes), C. olivieri, C. brunneum (also known as Shaggy Parasol), Galerina, Gyromitra, Lepiota, and Cortinarius. Some species of Lepiota, such as L. brunneoincarnata, L. brunneolilacina, L. helveola, L. josserandii, and L. venenata, are known to be very toxic and have caused several poisoning cases in humans and dogs in South Australia.
On the other hand, some edible mushrooms in Australia include the Agaricus bisporus and A. campestris, which are cultivated and found in lawns, farms, and parklands. However, it is important to note that these edible species can be easily confused with the toxic Agaricus xanthodermus, or Yellow-staining mushroom, which is the most common cause of poisoning from wild fungi in Australia.
Due to the high risk of poisoning, it is essential to properly identify mushrooms before consuming them. Field guides, such as "Wild Mushrooming," can be helpful in learning to identify edible and toxic mushroom species. Additionally, it is recommended to carry a field guide and identify fungi in situ, as well as to respect and protect all fungus species, including poisonous ones.
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Mushrooms in pine plantations
Mushrooms in Australia form a diverse group, with many ecological roles, including saprobes, parasites, and mutualistic symbionts of algae, animals, and plants. The exact number of fungal species in Australia is unknown, but it is likely to be about 13,000, with an estimated total of around 250,000 species, including about 5,000 mushrooms. However, knowledge about the distribution, substrata, and habitats of most species is limited, making it challenging to determine whether a fungus is native or introduced.
Among the various types of mushrooms found in Australia, one notable variety is the pine mushroom, also known as the saffron milk cap. These mushrooms are found in the southeast of the country, from northern New South Wales to South Australia, specifically in pine plantations and forests. They grow near true pine trees, excluding Norfolk Island pines, Bunya pines, or casuarinas. Foragers often seek out these mushrooms in state forests outside of Sydney, such as the Belanglo State Forest, which is primarily a planted pine forest.
The saffron milk cap is highly regarded for its culinary uses and is considered a delicacy by many. Foragers and enthusiasts often share their knowledge and experiences through Facebook groups, workshops, and identification guides. The process of identifying and collecting pine mushrooms is a cultural tradition for Eastern European and Mediterranean migrants, who celebrate the abundance of these fungi during the rainy season.
It is important to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms, as many toxic species exist in Australia. The Amanita phalloides, commonly known as the Death Cap, is responsible for a significant number of mushroom-related deaths worldwide, including several in Australia. Therefore, it is recommended to consider any mushroom as toxic unless proven otherwise. By acquiring knowledge about both edible and toxic species, foragers can safely enjoy the delights of wild mushrooms while appreciating the beauty and biodiversity of Australia's unique fungal ecosystem.
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Mushrooms in books and media
Australia is home to an estimated 250,000 species of fungi, and while only about 5% of these have been formally described, there is no shortage of books and media exploring the world of mushrooms.
Books
For those interested in learning about the different types of mushrooms found in Australia, there are several guides and books available. "Fungi of the Perth Region and Beyond" by N.L. Bougher is a self-managed field book published by the Western Australian Naturalists' Club. Bougher has also co-authored a book with K. Syme called "Fungi of Southern Australia", published by the University of Western Australia Press. "A Field Guide to the Fungi of Australia" by A.M. Young and "Australian Mushrooms and Toadstools: How to Identify Them" by A. Wood are other notable mentions.
If you're looking for a book that blends science, storytelling, and art, "Wild Mushrooming" by Alison Pouliot and Tom May is a great choice. Pouliot is an ecologist and environmental photographer, and her book explores fungi through the eyes of ecologists, artists, foragers, and naturalists. It also includes stunning photography and 29 recipes featuring foraged and cultivated fungi.
For those interested in foraging for edible mushrooms, the Queensland Mycological Society's guide is a great resource. It focuses on 10 edible mushrooms, teaching readers how to accurately identify, forage, and cook them.
Media
While there is limited information on Australian mushrooms in the media, the website Australian Mushrooms, funded by Hort Innovation, provides some interesting content. It features recipes such as Shaker Bag Mushrooms with Mediterranean or BBQ flavours, incorporating sliced mushrooms with various seasonings and ingredients.
Additionally, the Western Australian Naturalists Club has a page dedicated to fungi books and resources, providing a list of publications and online tools for further exploration.
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