A hiker came across an growth, on a decaying log in a forest causing concern among some Australians. The clusters of fungi were discovered near Stephensons Falls, a tourist spot in Victorias Otway Ranges.
Intrigued by their appearance the hiker turned to media to identify the species only to learn from a Facebook fungi group that it is an invasive fungus rapidly spreading across the state. People have expressed worry about the presence of these mushrooms this April noting their cute yet concerning nature.
Dr. Tom May, a mycologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria confirmed that the tiny orange mushrooms are Favolaschia Claudopus or orange pore fungus and are not native to Australia.
Describing them as striking and beautiful but unwelcome, in Australia.”It initially appeared in a areas, in Melbourne back in 2004.”
Within a span of about ten to twenty years since its sighting in Australia, the orange pore fungus had expanded to regions across the country ranging from south east Queensland to Tasmania and even as far as south west Western Australia according to his explanation.
“It is now quite prevalent in bushland and could be classified as a type of nuisance ” Dr. May stated.
“It was likely brought over from its habitat. Possibly hitching a ride on timber items like pallets.. The exact means of its arrival here remains somewhat of a puzzle.”
Dr. May mentioned that since this species breaks down matter particularly large pieces of fallen woody debris each area it inhabits may be depriving native wood decaying fungi of their food source.
“In the future we must act swiftly to identify and eliminate fungi. The rapid spread of the Myrtle Rust fungus demonstrates the harm exotic fungi can inflict on plants.” Myrtle Rust is an infection that impacts native plant species such, as eucalyptus, willow myrtle, turpentine, bottlebrush and paperbark trees.
The Queensland Mycological Society warns that the orange pore fungus can spread from place to place when its spores cling to peoples hands, boots or clothing. Therefore hikers exploring parks should take care to avoid this.
