Jonathan Spazzi of Whitegate Co. Clare gave a very informative presentation on the value and significance of Mushrooms. This was followed by a field trip to Ballinruane Woods in Kilmeedy, where a wide variety of Mushrooms were found and identified, outstanding in the collection were specimens of Chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius ), The Bonnet (Mycena), The Hedghog (Hydnum repandum), as well as a selection of Bracket fungi including Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor varicolour).
The diversity of colours and shapes of Mushrooms that were found were considered an indicator of the health of this particular woodland which is a Major environmental gem in the West Limerick landscape.
Mr. Spazzi also noted the priceless role of fungi underground in decomposition of Material providing Nutrients for plants and preventing disease organisms entering the roots.
The vast network of fungi in a healthy organic soil he likened to a powerful internet with allowed interchange of nutrients and possibility of information flow between trees throughout the woodland.
The Mushroom identification project is part of the College’s Course in Plant Identification which is expanded further this year.
