Rare fungus spotted in East Anglia for the first time

Favolaschia Calocera also known as Orange Ping Pong Bat Fungus, was discovered by fungi enthusiast Astrid Ivy Martin, 44, whilst walking through Orwell Park. 

The fungus originates from Madagascar and has been spotted in the UK on a number of occasions since 2012 where it was thought to have made the 9,000 kilometre journey on imported wood. 

Favolaschia Calocera, also known as Orange Ping Pong Bat spores has been spotted East Anglia for the first time (Image: Astrid Ivy Martin) Ms Martin, a teacher from Ipswich, is the founder of The ReWilding Path, a group that supports free community nature workshops and walks amongst the Suffolk hedgerows.

It was on one of these walks where the 44-year old made the discovery.

"So whilst leading a fungi walk in my favourite woods, Orwell Country Park, we found a non native species of rare fungi that’s never been recorded in East Anglia before. 

Astrid Ivy Martin was joined by Wildlife Rangers from Ipswich Borough Council who confirmed the discovery (Image: Astrid Ivy Martin) "I knew it was unusual as soon as I saw it but not that it was a first record.

"A sample was given to our local county recorder at the museum and hopefully time will tell how it fits into our environment."

The fungi is very small, with some spores only measuring a few millimetres, and fruits into a distinctive shape akin to a ping pong bat. 

Ms Martin and Wildlife Rangers from Ipswich Borough Council believe that the fungi made it's way to Ipswich on new timber to build the King Charles coastal path (Image: Astrid Ivy Martin)Wildlife Rangers from Ipswich Borough Council took a sample and recorded the specimen, which in some countries is seen to be invasive, but is hoped it will blend in with the existing fungal life in the area. 

As the spores are so little, not much is known about nutritional value or the edibility of the fungi and it is not believed to be poisonous.

No fungi that grows in the UK is poisonous to the touch, poisonous fungus have to be ingested to cause harm to humans. 

Some of the spores are no bigger than a few millimetres across (Image: Astrid Ivy Martin)