Orange Botanic Gardens will join in Mycology in May celebrations this month to highlight the important role of the fungus in our ecosystem.
Mycology in May is an annual community event hosted by Central Tablelands Local Land Services and Central Tablelands Regional Landcare to celebrate the study of fungi and increase the knowledge and understanding of fungi growing in our district.
Environmental Sustainability Community Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard said a series of colourful signs had been installed in the gardens to provide more information about fungi, examples of fungi you may find in the gardens, the fungi lifecycle, and Wiradjuri people's use of fungi for food and medicine.
Some of the fungi that can be found at Orange Botanic Gardens.
"May is a great month to head to the gardens and see the diverse fungi that occur at the site. I encourage everyone to learn more about these fascinating fungi," Cr Mallard said.
"Scientists are still discovering the relationships between fungi and other living organisms, and the role they play in our environment."
An art installation entitled Underground Conversations: the trees are talking, by artist Deborah Faeyrglenn, will be displayed at the Orange Botanic Gardens from 10 May to 24 May. The work represents the 'mycelium' of fungi, fine underground threads that connect plants, helping them access water and nutrients and are thought to assist plants to communicate.
Ecologist and fungi expert Alison Pouliot will hold the NSW launch of her book Underground Lovers: Encounters with Fungi at the gardens at 6pm on Wednesday 10 May.
Come along to hear stories of fungi from the Australian desert to Iceland's glaciers and America's Cascade Mountains. Cost to attend is $20, which includes drinks and nibbles, with proceeds going to the Friends of Orange Botanic Gardens.
Click here to book.
More of the fungi that can be found at Orange Botanic Gardens.
