IT’S getting close to that time of year again.

The trees are preparing for the seasons ahead and leaves will shortly be changing, and turning into the myriad of colours we all associate with autumn.

There is, however, another great natural autumnal phenomenon; that is, the World of Fungi.

These intriguing and often misunderstood organisms don’t fall into any of what we see as normal, as they are neither plants nor animals.

They are in a class all of their own; hence the expression ‘Kingdom of Fungi.’

Unlike green plants they don’t photosynthesise, and therefore come in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes - lots of them with very descriptive and unusual names such as Dead Man’s Fingers, and the aptly named Destroying Angel.

As well as being an icon of autumn, fungi have a huge variety of uses and are used in lots of products we see and use every day.

Fancy some cornflakes for breakfast?

Well, you can do - thanks to the minute fungi helping the roots of the corn grow.

And where would we be without yeast for beer and bread, or what could be prescribed if there was no penicillin? All thanks, in no small part, to fascinating fungi.

Fungi in folklore

Fungi have been written about in folklore for centuries, and the mystery that surrounds them has been used to great effect in superstitions and storytelling throughout Britain and Europe.

It was believed in the past that poisonous fungi grow near old iron works, and any fungi found near to a serpent’s nest are to be avoided.

The same ancient herbalists also believed that poisonous fungi blacken silver, and rubbing anything silver with a fungi fruitbody will show whether it is edible or not.

The very distinctive fly agaric fungus, with its unmistakable red cap and white spots, is famously portrayed on postcards and Christmas cards, and has hallucinogenic properties.

It is much loved by the herds of reindeer, which were kept by the Sami people of Lapland who used to throw dried fly agaric caps to try and round the reindeer back up.

These animals love eating this fungus, and can often be seen staggering around after gorging themselves on it.

One of many folklore tales surrounding this fungus tells us that Father Christmas dresses in red to gather reindeer to him, and they can’t actually fly.

Another toadstool tale tells that the Ear fungus, which has a striking similarity to the human ear, has only grown on the old limbs of Elder trees since Judas Iscariot hanged himself on one after betraying Christ.

This amazing fungus can be found on lots of the older Elder trees here in Glasgow.

The World of Fungi is an amazing place to visit and this autumn; try to get to know fungi a little better.

You will open doors to a wonderful world full of colour, taste, smells and some fantastic folklore.

If you would like to find out more, contact Glasgow City Council’s Countryside Rangers on 0141 276 0927