PHENOMENAL FUNGI

I am used to finding small – or even medium-sized – mushrooms springing up around the garden after a soaking rain. In December last year though I was taken aback to find these ones growing on a grassy pavement under a Tipuana tree (which provides the yellow blossoms in the background):

The size of saucers, these mushrooms were clearly visible from the car as I drove past. Of course I had to stop and look at them more closely:

They were scattered over a fairly wide area. Some had been knocked over – possibly by people or animals in passing:

This gives a clear view of the under side:

Others had been nibbled:While others were growing almost on top of each other:

Even though I know nothing about mushrooms, I couldn’t help wondering if these were safe for humans to eat. They looked ‘meaty’ and I could imagine frying them gently in butter.