This was my first visit to Ferndale Park at Chatswood for the season. Peter Woodard had been reporting that the “pink waxcaps” had returned. This was early compared to last year, when they came out late July.
They are an interesting species, whatever they turn out to be. They start off green and then change to a pink colour as they age. I was keen to record more it it photographically. At Ferndale Park they seem to all occur in a fairly small area.
I found the first group fairly early. They were in exactly the same spots as I had seen them last year. After more searching I also found them in three other locations not that far away. Here are more photos of them –
looking at them, they do seem to resemble Humidicutis helicoides. But that species, as far as I know stays green. Another possibility is Hygrocybe archohastata. It changes colour from an olive green – but turns orange and red. But in Tasmania, it seems to turn pink. Perhaps it is that variant? Or perhaps a new species?
There was also a lot of other interesting fungi out. On the way down to the park from Chatswood Station, I passed through Kenneth Slessor Reserve, and again, like last year, I spotted some Birds Nest Fungi.
As well, a lot of other fungi was out. Here are some more waxcaps –
And there was a lot of other colourful fungi out – coral fungi and green earth tongues –
More photos –
I have a lot more photos online, together with their identification on my website here.