unknown fungi, Panjin, Liaoning, China (1 Viewer)

This caught my eye while birding this afternoon to the point where I decided to go home and fetch the camera and the 18-85mm lens, which is better for close-ups. Since Trichia has expressed interest in seeing more fungi from China, here it is. To be followed with several more different fungi I found once I was looking for them.

These two were the only two I have seen. Growing on the south-west side of a willow tree at about head height.

I came over here to see if you had gotten an I D yet. Will keep an eye on this thread

Hi all,

This is very pretty, isn't it?

I guess it's Pholiota limonella, or at least a closely related species....

Cheers,
Nick

Thanks, Trichia. I think you are right, at least about the Genus. With further research I see that mycology is a field of study with far more controversy about identification than birding. Even Micheal Kuo at mushroomexpert.com says about this Genus,

"For now, spore measurements appear to separate Pholiota limonella. If the mushroom you collected has larger, aurivella-sized spores, however, I suggest calling it Steve--because, otherwise, you will soon find yourself in Pholiota Hell, where mycology gets very ugly."

Deciding I like being just the size I am, I think I'll just be happy with what I know and if I see a caterpillar sitting on one of these, I'll be sure to get a picture.

For anyone interested, I just remembered today that the city park immediately adjacent to our condo has several decorative concrete mushrooms scattered about, which our little terrier is terrified of, giving them a wide berth and not taking her eyes off of them and growling while passing. One of them might indicate that this is not such an unusual species locally since it is a pretty close match, though the spores are white instead of brown.

Also, they are still growing on the willow which given that scavengers regularly go through the parks sweeping up anything edible/medicinal, probably means it actually is not either or at least is not recognized by the locals.