New Fungus.

 The permissive path to Ashton has provide several species new to the valley this year. The Pyramidal Orchid which appeared just past the Clandon track perhaps the most exciting, though someone appears to have pulled it up and taken it to die in their garden. Also new were the six or so Common Broomrape plants. These lack chlorophyll, which is what gives plants their green colour, and so are mainly brown with hints of red and other colours, and are often mistaken for dead orchids. There was one single plant of Hop, beer making anyone? 

The most recent arrival, and a first appearance for the valley, was a handful of Shaggy Inkcaps Coprinus comatus   by Four Acres gate.

   Shaggy Inkcaps.   Photo. John Elliott

 

Sometimes known as the Lawyer's Wig from the tiers of shaggy, woolen scales on the cap, this is considered to be one of the best edible species when the gills are still white, but it soon deliquesces into drops of black liquid, a source once of black ink. If you plan to drink alcohol while eating this mushroom make sure not to confuse it with Common Inkcap. Alcohol and Common Inkcaps together cause vomiting and palpitations.