What's this then?

[Geoff23]

Hi.

I'm new here. I've been collecting British fungi for about 15 years (strictly amateur, mainly for eating) but I've never seen anything like this before, and it's not in any of my books. Was found in France (not by me).

Geoff.

[steve_nova]

Hi geoff, it's originally from Australia of all places! and was introduced into this country possibly during the second world war. The scientific name is Clathrus archeri.

[steve_nova]

Here is a little more info on it from this british website http://www.shotbolt.com/hfg/newsarch.htm

[Geoff23]

Thanks Steve

[steve_nova]

Apparently, I beleive this species is still spreading.

[Leif]

Hi.

I'm new here. I've been collecting British fungi for about 15 years (strictly amateur, mainly for eating) but I've never seen anything like this before, and it's not in any of my books. Was found in France (not by me).

Geoff.

I believe C archerii is restricted to the southern counties of England, but as mentioned, it is spreading. I've never seen the species myself and believe it is rather rare. I have heard of one site in Winchester (not found by me I might add) in a back garden. The owners got rather cheesed off with site seers asking to take a peek! There is a similar species that looks like a lattice work cage.