AGM

Our AGM in March was a very enjoyable affair. The official business was dealt with efficiently and we were able to settle down to the interesting and informative talk by Megan Prance on fungi.    

Megan Prance giving her talk

Some of the facts from her talk were: 

• Of the many thousands of fungi found all over Australia, only a comparatively small number have been identified.
• Plants and trees form a relationship with fungi and together they produce specialised roots known as mycorrhiza. (Mycorrhiza = fungus + root) This association produces essential nutrients for both the fungi and the plant and it also provides protection for the plant against disease and soil borne organisms. This Mycorrhiza is also essential for the growth of many of our native terrestrial orchids.
• Fungi is a major source of food for many of our small marsupials such as small wallabies, potoroos, bandicoots and wombats. Some birds also include fungi in their diet. 
•  Even though wood chips used as mulch in the suburban garden leads to the appearance of many interesting and colourful fungi, its use changes the ecosystem.   Using local garden mulch is much better for the environment because of the important role fungi plays in plant ecology.  Wood chip is sourced from a completely different environment so its use promotes a fungi which is foreign to the plants it is going to associate with.

Megan & Noela discussing the beautiful display Noela created

This was followed by many questions, and much discussion over a wonderful supper supplied by members.