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Collecting and handling fungi
Australian fungi are generally not poisonous to touch or handle. However it is a good idea to wash hands before eating in case of bacteria or other nasty bugs on the fungi.
When collecting a fungus, extract the whole fruit body including the base of the stalk by using a small knife or other instrument to dig well under and into the soil. When collecting fungi, do not cut the stalk. The base of the stalk is an important structure for identifying some fungi. A ‘good collection’ of a fungus consists of at least several fruit bodies of the same species, preferably young and mature specimens at different stages of development, collected at the same place and time.
Brush any excessive soil off the fruit body (being careful not to remove any part of the fungus, including any attached mycelium at the base) and immediately place in waxed paper or a storage container to prevent desiccation.
Rotting or maggot-infested specimens should be discarded.
All of the fruit bodies constituting a collection should ideally be produced by the same individual mycelium, and therefore be collected from a small patch, e.g. around a single tree, or in a discrete patch. The bagged or wrapped specimens may be placed in lidded plastic containers to prevent squashing and dehydration. Film canisters are useful containers for small fungi. Baskets are suitable for carrying collections in the field. Truffle fungi are usually less delicate and may be carried in a cloth carry bag. Specimens should be kept out of direct sunlight and heat as much as possible after collection to avoid desiccation before returning to the lab. In hot conditions a cool-box is useful for storing collections. Do not freeze or refrigerate specimens. Avoid bruising, breaking or squashing specimens.
Only collect if you have a purpose. Otherwise look and leave.
Remember:
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