‘Ghost mushrooms’ are back and a feast for the eyes
Corrimal photographer Chris Edmond has captured bioluminescent fungi at Mount Ousley
Thanks to Corrimal-based nature photographer Chris Edmond, we can share this visual feast; sightings of bioluminescent fungi on Mount Ousley.
Chris stumbled on the Omphalotus nidiformis, better known as ‘ghost mushrooms’, near the start of the Brokers Nose walking track earlier this week. He was attracted by their bright green light just a few metres off the track in the early evening.
“This humid weather is ideal for these mushrooms,” Chris said.
“I’m hoping to find more at a couple of my other favourite places over the next week or two.”
Two years ago Chris took advantage of perfect growing conditions when he photographed clusters of the fungi at Gerroa, Puckey’s Estate and Mount Kembla.
The mushrooms produce that beautiful green light through a chemical reaction between the enzyme luciferase and the compound luciferin.
They are typically found in this region during our wetter seasons in autumn and winter. They are usually found on dead, decaying or dying wood. But be warned, while they’re safe to handle, these mushrooms are highly toxic and should not be consumed.
Chris said while the glow is visible to the naked eye it is best captured using long exposure techniques.
This week Chris used his Canon EOS RS with 35mm 1.8 macro lens and tripod. He used a two and a half minute exposure.
