Rare fungi found growing at a Dorset Bere Marsh Farm 

Artomyces pyxidatus, known as the crown tipped coral or candelabra coral, has been spotted at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone. 

The unusual fungi was discovered by expert mycologist Andy Knott, of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, who led a Fungi Foray Walk at the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) farm.

The fungus, known as crown-tipped coral fungus due to the crown-like tips of its branches, was thought to be extinct in the UK. 

Mr Knott said: “Our last reliable record of this species, prior to the 20th Century, 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.  

Crown-tipped coral (Artomyces pyxidatus) discovered at Bere Marsh Farm (Image: Nick Dobbs/Bere Marsh Farm) “There have been a small number of finds around Sussex and Kent in the last months but on iNaturalist, a website I use, 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.” 

Mr Knott described the fungi as being off white-cream in colour, occasionally with pink tones.  

He added: “It will usually be found growing on decaying hardwoods and occasionally some softwoods. 

“Unlike other similar looking ‘Coral’ fungi, these grow on decaying wood, instead of emerging from the ground.” 

As part of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, Mr Knott seeks rare fungal organisms and takes small sterile biopsies within his lab in Dorset. 

Mr Knott continued: “From these, I can preserve the genetics of these wonderful, rare mushrooms.

Expert mycologist Andy Knott of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms (Image: Bere Marsh Farm) "In some cases, we can expand the native culture and transfer it to sterile grain and from there, we can introduce the grain to a fruiting substrate."

Mr Knott said by cloning the genetics of our native species, we can ensure we preserve them, while also selecting the best cultures to allow us to grow rare mushrooms commercially and not impact on wild colonies. 

He said: “Fungi foraging has become extremely popular in recent years and it’s something I’ve enjoyed doing for the past 15 years.

"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.”