I came across these fungi under a seat in the city. There were two or three very fine groups. I’m so impressed at their strength to push up through tarmac!
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F.W., Ballarat Central.
Your asphalt-breaking fungi are shaggy caps (Coprinus comatus), sometimes known as shaggy ink cap. They start as white cylinders, soon changing into shaggy long whitish bells. The caps turn black and liquefy after just a few days, resulting in a black slimy mess on the ground at the base of the stem.
They usually appear in groups, as you found them. They will probably grow in the same place and at the same time next year.
Despite their apparent weakness, fungi can grow with amazing strength and rapidity, exerting all their concentrated pressure upward in small spaces.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
