Monsoon Mushrooms: Two-Wheeled Adventures in Northern Thailand - Part III

August 2023

Back in Chiang Mai for the last stretch of my journey through Northern Thailand, I discovered the charm of the Monk's Trail. This path, a stone's throw away from Chiang Mai University, is more than just a popular hiking route; it's a walk through history. Traditionally used by monks to reach Wat Pha Lat, every step on this trail unveiled unique growth.

Austroboletus sp.

One of my first encounters was an olive-green Austroboletus species of mushroom with an interesting, reticulated stipe.

Monsoon Mushrooms: Two-Wheeled Adventures in Northern Thailand - Part I

I encountered staining boletes, that left vibrant blood-red and black marks on my fingers. Much like the red-staining Sanguinoderma rugosum stalked brackets. And following the theme of color-changing mushrooms, I found a blue-bruising Phylloporus, as well.

Phylloporus sp.

All growth stages of Scaly Tangerine mushrooms were spotted along the way.

Scaly Tangerine Mushroom / Agaricus trisulphuratus

And plenty of bioluminescent Luminous Porecaps.

These ones in particular only glowed in their stems – abruptly stopping where they were bent or damaged. 

I also stumbled upon viscid Scalycaps (Pholiota sp.), petite Earthstars (Geastrum sp.), and a small, strikingly purple Xanthagaricus ianthinus. Not to forget a velvety, ruby-colored Tylopilus sp. and a massive Boletellus sp. that revealed a surprising blue bruising.

The journey culminated with reaching Wat Pha Lat, offering a rewarding view of Chiang Mai.

Monsoon Mushrooms: Two-Wheeled Adventures in Northern Thailand - Part II

To cap off the trip, my birthday coincided with a visit to the Huay Kaew Waterfall. There, among the serene sounds of flowing water, I came across a fascinating variety of mushrooms: a peculiar stinkhorn (Phallus indusiatus), a delicate pink Mycena, and even locals skillfully foraging Termitomyces, Macrolepiota, and Russula sp.

Local harvesting what appears to be wild edible Russula sp.

UPDATE: Exciting news from the University of Chiang Mai. A recent publication has unveiled the formal description of a couple new Russula species. Although these mushrooms were familiar to locals for their edibility, they had not been officially named until now.

I reckon that the specimens collected most closely resemble Russula sribuabanensis.

Phallus indusiatus

Mycenaceae

As my adventure in Northern Thailand comes to a close, I find myself eager to return. The rich biodiversity and untapped mysteries of the region during the rainy season beckon me for future explorations.