Witchy Wednesday Witches and Mushrooms part two.


Image from
 https://www.incrediblemushrooms.com/have-mushrooms-been-used-in-witchcraft.html

I had such lovely feedback from last Witchy Wednesday I decided to add to last week subject of Witches and Mushrooms. 

So here are some fungi that are named after Witches, witchcraft and things that are spooky!


Exidia glandulosa is often referred to as Black Witch's or 'Witches Butter', perhaps because of its butter-like consistency and greasy surface when wet as well as its sombre colour, occurs throughout the year on dead hardwood.






Another type of fungi associated with Witches is Tremella Mesenterica a yellow frilly jelly fungus. This has also been nicknamed Witches butter,  Yellow Brain and Yellow Trembler to name a few. As you can see from the image above it really does resemble curls of butter.




Ooooo la la!

Phallaceae is a family of fungi, commonly known as stinkhorns, within the order Phallales. Stinkhorns have a worldwide distribution and are often found in the UK. They are known for their very distinctive smell! A disgusting foul smelling order that smell like rotting flesh which attracts flies, beetles and other insects. The sticky gleba at the end of the stalk is call the receptaculum.

Before they become this rather amazing and cheeky shape ( hence the oooo la la! ) they first grow out of egg shaped structure which are often nicknamed 'Witches eggs'.


For more information please visit. 


Mushroom granny from Darkwood.
https://leona-florianova.tumblr.com/post/171691488803/mushroom-granny-from-darkwood





Devil's Fingers! 

Clathrus archeri also known as Octopus stinkhorn and Devils Fingers. These have recently been popping in up in Southern parts of the UK especially in the New Forest. Fantastically strange with their digit red Devil fingers! 


Interesting article on ITV news.


More informative information



The Witches Cauldron!
The Witches is also know as Charred-pancake cup! The Sarcosoma globosum is sadly a very rate species of fungi due to habitat erosion. But thankfully due to the interest in Mycology both professional and with amateur mycologist this species is being photographed and monitored.
As you can see from the photos it really is an amazing fungi and does resemble a witches cauldron! Fingers crossed this beautiful and unusual fungi gets better appreciated and protected in areas it still grows.



I found this really informative video on YouTube that explains all about the fabulous Witches Cauldron! 






Some links to really interesting and informative articles on Witches, Witchcraft and mushrooms! 

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/eight-witchcraft-myths/

https://magazine.metaphorosis.com/story/2020/a-witchs-guide-to-mushrooms-and-toadstools-hannah-hulbert/

https://curiousminds.co.uk/blogs/curious-mind-blog/the-magic-of-witches-broomsticks-fly-agaric-mushroom

https://www.incrediblemushrooms.com/mushrooms-folklore-mythology.html

https://slowburnhorror.com/2021/07/16/the-symbolism-of-mushrooms/

https://www.incrediblemushrooms.com/


Back next week for another Witchy Wednesday! 


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Some folklore stories and articles about History can be quite scary and disturbing and may have some adult content. So I would always advise visiting, reading and viewing any links before showing or reading to younger children.

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Image from
https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/white-light-shabby-16k-infused-old-woman-who-lived-in-12/

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