Appreciation: Fungi growing fans in New Zealand.

Interest in fungi is growing. Hardware stores in New Zealand are selling growing kits, health stores offer mushroom elixirs and academics are looking into medicinal uses for native hallucinogens. Specialist online interest groups are booming with both members and activity, while one tourist operator beckons visitors with the “spellbinding world of mushrooms”.

They grow in a mix of shapes and sizes, from delicate light green wisps and glistening jellies, to bright orange lattices and gnarled black tongues. The giant puffball can grow over a metre in diameter according to Liv Sisson, author of the recently released field guide, Fungi of Aotearoa. She says they have a habit of appearing out of nowhere.

“Much like our birds, they really captivate people. They’re so unique and are something to look out for when you’re in the bush anywhere around the country,” says Sisson.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...es-where-to-find-liv-sisson-fungi-of-aotearoa

 

I think the interest in cultivating is a great trend, globally speaking!

 

Agreed!

To notice, to appreciate fungi requires one to slow down, to take the time to look.
The more people look, the more they will see---the beauty of these forms and of the world of which they are such a vital part.
And the more they see, the more they will want to protect and preserve it.

Imagine if everyone did!