Unusual Fungus sighting

A highly unusual fungus has been spotted in the pavilions. The basket fungus Ileodictyon cibarium is growing in the New Zealand section (to the rear of the furrow, sadly, so not visible from the windows). It's native to the southern hemisphere (New Zealand, Australia and South Africa). The photograph, taken on 11 November, shows a mature example. There are others in the cluster that have not yet matured. Apparently it is edible in its young stage but not very tasty!

There have been only 22 recorded sightings of this fungus in the UK, all previously in the London area. Ziggy Senkans, the Council’s biodiversity monitoring officer, will now be adding ours to the records.

Thanks to Andrea Jones, the head gardener, for the information.

Photo of the bracket fungus Ileodictyon cibarium by Rod Egglestone.