Hypomyces luteovirens, syn. Hypomyces tulasneanus

Posted for interest and a record, not for photogenic quality. This was one of the fungi I photographed when a group of us went to West Bragg Creek on 3 September 2016, to search for mushroom species. Afterwards, I got an e-mail asking if any of us had photographed this particular fungus, as it turns out that it was quite interesting. "This mushroom, looking like it is covered with algae, is a brother of the Lobster mushroom, thus a parasite; this one is Hypomyces luteovirens, Green Mushroom Pimple". Not sure I would have photographed it if I had found it somewhere on my own, and I wouldn't have pulled it : ) As it was, I rather reluctantly photographed it, as it really didn't look photogenic to me at all. Any confirmation or correction of ID would be greatly appreciated - thanks! If you look at this image in the larger size, you can see all the tiny green "pimples", if you are in the mood for looking at green pimples, ha.

"Fruit body a white then olive-green to dark green mold which produces dark green perithecia that project as small pimples. The mold covers the gills and stalk of lactarius and russula mushrooms. Habitat in woods on various species of russula and lactarius mushrooms. Common in wet weather wherever the host species are found, throughout many parts of North America."
www.rogersmushrooms.com/gallery/DisplayBlock~bid~6208.asp

"This species of Hypomyces is a parasite on various species of Russula. It is easily recognized by its yellow-green color. It seems less avid about its parasitism than some species of Hypomyces, and tends to cover only the upper stem and gills of the host mushroom, leaving it fairly recognizable. Parasitic on various species of Russula, which have diverse habitats; widely distributed in North America. Fruit Body is a powdery, mold-like covering over the gills and stem of the host; yellow to yellowish green." From MushroomExpert.com., which is an excellent website.

www.mushroomexpert.com/hypomyces_luteovirens.html

On 3 September 2016, we had a fungi morning, which was quite rewarding and definitely fun. Our leader and friend, Karel, is very knowledgeable about fungi and he took 14 of us (plus Karel's two beautiful Beagles) on a foray to West Bragg Creek, maybe an hour's drive west of the city. We had been here a few times over the years, either looking for fungi or on botany outings.

Photographing our findings usually means that I am way at the back of the group or have fallen back with a friend or two. Consequently, the mushrooms have often already been plucked/cut by the time we catch up to the rest of the participants. I also miss a lot of what is being said about IDs and details. It would take far too long to write down the name of each find - each photo taken would have to be carefully numbered so that the right name could be attached and this would be such a hassle when out with a group. Since this outing, Karel has sent an email containing several photos along with IDs. The rest of my photos will have to be just nameless 'pretty pictures' : ) I must add here that any IDs that I give are always tentative. Another thing to add is that I never, ever pick and eat wild mushrooms!! Too many look similar, some edible, others poisonous. If you are not a fungi expert, never take the risk of eating any of them.

I met up with friend, Sandy, at 8:15 am and she drove us out to the meeting place. Our morning walk started off by going across the small bridge not far from the parking lot, then part way up the hill and then bush-whacking our way through the forest. This walk, which ended around lunch time, was the main one, but we did stop at a small, gravel parking area a few minutes along the main road, to do a second walk to check for any different mushrooms. This extra walk has yielded a few beauties in past years. Perhaps the most interesting find was a very small twig that had several tiny, turquoise coloured fungi cups on it. The colour looks so out of place in a natural area. My photos of them did not turn out very well, but I did post one of them recently, just for the very unusual colour.

From here, a few of us stopped at the Cinnamon Spoon cafe in Bragg Creek for lunch. Always a most enjoyable way to finish any outing. Before we climbed into the car for our return drive to Calgary, Sandy and I wandered into the beautiful Art Gallery next door but one, owned and run by Bob and Candy Cook. Named Branded Visuals Inc.(Printing Services/Wildlife Gallery), this small store is overflowing with Bob's absolutely amazing photographic works of art. Thanks so much, Bob and Candy, for remembering our chance meeting a number of years ago, down in Fish Creek Park, and for your overly generous words about my own photography.

www.brandedvisuals.com/index.html

Thanks so much, Karel, for giving us a great morning! We really appreciate your passing on your knowledge to us. The same thanks go to Suzanne, the mushroom specialist in Calgary. Sandy, really appreciate the ride there and back!