fungi. they are so very plentiful. the total number of species of fungi is estimated to be about 1.5 million. as a comparison there are only about 5000 species of birds in the whole world. the kingdom fungi includes some of the most important organisms, both in terms of their ecological and economic roles. they continue the cycle of nutrients through ecosystems. most vascular plants could not grow without the symbiotic fungi that inhabit their roots. they provide numerous drugs to we drug addicted humans. many are edible. some are deadly poisonous. only a small percentage however are sufficiently suggestive looking to be included in this exceedingly silly post…

leccinum aurantiacum.
etymology: from latin, “golden orange”
edibility: good. darkens when cooked.




clitocybe glaucocana.
etymology: from latin, “whittish, pale blue-green”
edibility: good.




tricholoma imbricatum.
etymology: from latin, “like roof tiles,” from scaly cap.
edibility: mediocre only a few specimens suitable.




amanita virosa.
etymology: from latin, “fetid,” becuase of its smell.
edibility: deadly poisonous.




otidea onotica.
etymology: from greek, “like an ass’s ear.”
edibility: fair.




mitinus caninus.
etymology: from latin, “canine.”
edibility: of no interest.




phallus impicidus.
etymology: from latin, “shameless.”
edibility: reportedly eaten but not recomended.




morchella conica.
etymology: from latin, “cone-shaped.”
edibility: good.




morchella semilibera.
etymology: from latin, “half free,” becuase the lower part of the head
does not touch stipe.
edibility: good.




asocoryne sarcoides.
etymology: from greek, “fleshy.”
edibility: of no interest becuase of size.


and now for the big finish…




a handsome specimen of geastrum fimbriatum scattering its spores.

ooooh yeah.