There is a fungus among us — a giant fungus that measures 24 centimetres in diameter.
Rarely seen this large around Richmond, it has a name that does not easily roll off the tongue —Phaeolus schweinitzii. Its more common name is dyer’s polyfore.
Excellent dyes can be made from its potential green, yellow, gold and brown colours. The fungus is not edible, nor does it look appealing.
This particular fungus attacks conifers - pine, fir, spruce, larch and hemlock. It grows on the ground, closely associated with the tree’s roots or near the base of the trunk.
This photo was taken in central Richmond, near Gilbert Road.
Many thanks to Dr. Mary Berbee, UBC professor of botany, for her expertise in identifying the fungi.
Other wild mushrooms — samples shown here — also grow throughout Richmond.
Best advice — leave wild mushrooms alone because many are poisonous. Don’t take a chance.
Get your mushrooms from the supermarket.
