A fungus is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes yeasts, molds and mushrooms. They are classified in their own Kingdom called Fungi. This Kingdom is separate from the other eukaryotic life kingdoms of plants and animals. This means they are not animals, plants, or bacteria. Fungus breaks down dead organic matter around it, and uses it as food.
Aseroe rubra, commonly known as the Anemone Stinkhorn, Sea Anemone and Starfish fungus is considered common. It is recognisable by it’s colour, shape and foul odour when mature. The plant’s odour attracts flies, which ingest and trample the spores, distributing them starting new fungi colonies.
An article on ABC Open reported on the interesting history of the Aseroe rubra It reads: “Jacques Labillardière, a French botanist, visited Tasmania on an exploration voyage and discovered Aseroe rubra growing in the appropriately named Recherche Bay in southern Tasmania.” Collected on May 1, 1792 it became the first Australian fungi collected and scientifically documented.
Find out more with Australian Fungi, Fungus Map and Fungus Oz
