The basket fungus (Ileodictyon cibarium) is a strange and striking species, known for its ghostly white, latticed structure that looks like a delicate basket or a collapsed net. Native to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, this fungus belongs to the stinkhorn family – and it lives up to the name!
One of Aotearoa’s strangest native fungi isn’t found on rotting logs or tree trunks – it’s found growing out of caterpillars. Starting life as a tiny spore, this fungus infects the caterpillars of two native species of moth, effectively mummifying them. This fungus was traditionally used to make pigment for tā moko.
Discover more about this fascinating fungi in our full spotlight here!
Wood ear fungus can be found clinging to the trunks of trees. With a soft, flexible shape, this edible fungus doesn’t have much taste, although it does have a gentle crunch when cooked. Te Hakeke is the only fungus in Aotearoa New Zealand that was exported overseas – in fact almost 2,000 tonnes were exported between 1872–1883!
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