Rare mushroom found growing at farm

The crown-tipped coral or candelabra coral was thought to be extinct in the UK

A rare mushroom, once thought to be extinct in the UK, has been spotted growing at a farm.

The crown-tipped coral, or candelabra coral, was discovered by expert mycologist Andy Knott during a walk at Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone, Dorset.

It takes its name after the crown-like tips of its branches.

Mr Knott said cultivating the rare mushrooms "is the next best thing in ensuring we can all enjoy them”.

Mycologist Andy Knott came across the unusual fungus at Bere Marsh Farm during a fungi foray event

He said the last "reliable" record of that species was in 1886, thanks to a collection made by mycologist Carleton Reale.

“There has been a dozen or so records since, but it was not until 2021 in Suffolk that Artomyces pyxidatus was officially recorded again and for the first time in the 21st century," he added.

Mr Knott, of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, said that except for "a small number of finds around Sussex and Kent", the discovery at Bere Marsh Farm "is the only find in the UK west of the South Downs".

"It’s a real treat to have this mushroom fruiting in Dorset."

He described the fungi as being off white-cream in colour, occasionally with pink tones, and usually found growing on decaying hardwoods.

Mr Knott seeks rare fungal organisms and takes small sterile biopsies within his Dorset lab.

He said cloning the genetics of native species ensured their preservation.

"Fungi foraging has become extremely popular in recent years," Mr Knott said.

"Unfortunately, with all the habitat loss seen over recent decades, foraging for wild fungi may not be such a sustainable activity in the future.

"Therefore, cultivating these fabulously rare and often very medicinal mushrooms is the next best thing in ensuring we can all enjoy them.”