Fungi and other Growths

The Diary confesses to be in awe of the fungi that are to be found across the local hills and in our gardens, firstly because of the sheer profusion of this group, secondly because of their delicate beauty, and thirdly because of their surprising hardiness.  This thin-stalked, fragile umbrella was growing in January on the southeast facing bank of a hill below Stellachan Dubh to the south of Ben Hiant.  We had just been through a wet and windy week, yet it seemed to be thriving.

This one was growing on a heather-covered bank below Druimm na Gearr Leacainn, the ridge that runs along the back of Ormsaigbeg.  By contrast to the first, it was much sturdier, yet it was tucked well down amongst the surrounding plants.  It probably wouldn't have been noticed but for its startling colour.

Identifying the proliferation of species that grow here is a job for experts.  The one little book we have contains some 240 species and is impenetrable despite its claim to be a "quick way to identify mushrooms and toadstools".  This one may, just may be Coral Spot, Nectria cinnebarina, but no-one should bet on the Diary's identification.

By February, those that are left are looking pretty sick, and the hills are an emptier and less colourful place.

Part of the reluctance to identify comes from the bad press mushrooms and toadstools have.  Stories of people being carted off to hospital having eaten the 'wrong' fungus makes one very wary of certainty.  So one has to admire those who confidently state that they know what's safe to eat and, perhaps, avoid an invitation to dinner.

This growth is on the stem of one of the small shrubs in our garden.  It's about 8cm across, resembles a cauliflower, and is surprisingly hard.  Does anyone know what it is, and whether it's contagious and liable to spread to all our shrubs?