FUNNEL MUSHROOMS
As the name suggests these are funnel shaped, but often flat on top and can be large.
Of these one to beware is the Fools Funnel Mushroom. The Mushroom Diary website has this warning :
Experienced foragers often say, if you want to familiarise yourself with only a few mushrooms, it’s always best to recognise the deadly ones! Wise words indeed.
The Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe rivulosa aka C.dealbata) is one of the more common poisonous species to be found in the UK, as well as in Europe and North America. It appears, alarmingly enough, in some very ‘people orientated’ places such as lawns, parks, road sides etc; in sandy soil, during late summer to late autumn.
Also see Tawny Funnel Mushroom, which may be considered a blewit. index.asp?pageid=734364
GIANT FUNNEL MUSHROOM : Aspropaxillus giganteus
(also Leucopaxillus giganteus).
These are as large as moderate dinner plates and found in groups. They are edible, but that comes with a strong caution. WildFoodUK puts it this way:
A large chunky mushroom which can be found in fairly large numbers and is edible to most but can cause gastric upsets in some. This doesn’t really matter as the mushrooms are usually infested with maggots, even when young, making them more maggot than flesh.
[They can be confused with Fleecy Milkcap or Trooping Funnel.
This is but part of a large spread which was found on the upper Leven towpath in August and September. They are covered with the debris of decaying buddlei, but that doesn't seem to bother them.
When sliced across you can see why it is called a funnell mushroom.
When handled some latex is exuded.
Some interesting shapes as it deteriorates/
MUSROOM APPRECIATION : https://www.mushroom-appreciation.com/fools-funnel.html
MUSROOM DIARY : https://www.mushroomdiary.co.uk/2017/07/beware-the-fools-funnel-mushroom-clitocybe-rivulosa/
WILD FOOD UK : https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/giant-funnel/
