A Survey of Macrofungi on Observatory Hill - Garry Oak Ecosystems ...

Caloscypha fulgens
O. Ceska - A <strong>Survey</strong> <strong>of</strong> Macr<strong>of</strong>ungi on Observatory Hill:
Fall 2009 and Winter 2009/2010
In April 2009 there was a large, unexpected fruiting <strong>of</strong> Caloscypha fulgens – cup
fungus – which is considered to be a typical mushroom in mountains after the snowmelt
in spring. This fungus was seen at sea level in 2008 on Salt Spring Island, at
Ruckle Farm, and on several other sites. On Observatory Hill, it was found along the
paved road from the main gate almost up to the first building on the hilltop.
It grew on sandy build-up that had been scraped to the side <strong>of</strong> the road. (Sand had to
be used in the 2008/2009 winter due to snow and ice.)
Cortinarius venetus var. venetus
Fall and winter 2009/2010 were favourable for the growth <strong>of</strong> Cortinarius species.
Several new Cortinarius species were added to the list <strong>of</strong> fungi on Observatory Hill.
Cortinarius venetus var. venetus belongs in the subgenus Leprocybe. One <strong>of</strong> the
characteristics <strong>of</strong> this group is that under UV-light these fungi exhibit bright
fluorescence. In this particular species, the fluorescence is bright yellow. It was found
growing in late October 2009 in the forest near the creek on southeast border <strong>of</strong> the
Observatory property.
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