Autumn is in full swing, so more and more tree mushrooms are appearing in the forests. There is no shortage of edible, medicinal, or just beautiful species among them.

One example of a mushroom that is both beautiful and unfortunately harmful, because it causes a chronic cough when eaten, is the smoky polypore or smoky bracket (Bjerkandera adusta). It looks majestic on a dead tree trunk, and when the sun hits it, it looks amazing.

Another beautiful tree mushroom that I have recently encountered in the forests is the violet-pored bracket fungus, purple tooth, or violet-toothed polypore. This is a very rare species, and I have only encountered it for the first time. It is on the list of endangered species, and is protected. It is very useful, growing only on old stumps, dying wood. It causes its decomposition.

Another charming species, which is not strictly an arboreal mushroom, but is most often encountered there, is the fairy inkcap, or fairy bonnet (Coprinellus disseminatus). In the autumn, it is a common occurrence in forests. It also looks beautiful, but unfortunately its lifespan is quite short.

I hope that this is not the end of the mushroom season and that I will be able to go to the forest for a longer walk next week. And finally, some photos of memories from the autumn forest.