The Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides Podalirius) is one of the largest butterflies in Central Europe. It was once quite bountiful, but is getting rarer and rarer. This year is a severe drought year, but despite the growing scarcity of the Scarce Swallowtail, I see them from time to time on the meadows. On my latest run … Continue reading “Scarce Swallowtails Pollinating Field Thistle with Widow-Maker Creaking in Background”
Tag: Fungus
Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom
Today I’m taking you mushroom picking and we’re after Early Morels. Alongside True Morels, Early Morels are among the first substantial edible mushrooms of the year (unlike Scarlet Elf Cups, which are also early season mushrooms, but very scarce and rather small, and thus unsubstantial). They grow in early spring and are delicious. They can … Continue reading “Early Morel (Verpa Bohemica) Season Is Here – How to Identify This Edible Mushroom”
Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom
In this video you can learn how to identify and use the Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – an edible and tasty mushroom. As its name suggests, the Scarlet Elf Cup is a cup shaped fungus which features this rich, red, or scarlet color. The exterior is pale and dull, but the interior is bright … Continue reading “Scarlet Elf Cup (Sarcoscypha Austriaca) – How to Identify and Use This Edible Mushroom”
Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium Oppositifolium) – Edible Plant Which Grows When Little Else Is Available
In colder climates, survival foods are easy to come by during warmer months. But what of the cold season? There isn’t a whole lot that grows in winter’s sub-zero temperatures, so the key to surviving the winter is in preparing for it while there is an abundance of food sources. And because food sources are … Continue reading “Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium Oppositifolium) – Edible Plant Which Grows When Little Else Is Available”
How to Identify Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis Pinicola) – Shelf Fungus with Medicinal Properties
Fomitopsis Pinicola, otherwise known as the Red Belted Polypore, is a basiaiomycete fungus of the Fomitopsidaceae family. While its botanical (Latin) name refers to the conifers on which it predominantly grows, its vernacular name returns to the characteristic red band lining the outer edge of the upper side of the mushroom. Red Belted Polypore Identification … Continue reading “How to Identify Red-Belted Polypore (Fomitopsis Pinicola) – Shelf Fungus with Medicinal Properties”
Alien Looking Mushroom I Came Across – Possible Elfin Saddle (Gyromitra Infula)
I take walks through the woods where I live every day. And every day I get amazed by the splendid variety of fauna and flora I encounter. Earlier this fall, I came across a weird looking fungus the likes of which I had not seen before. It almost seemed alien looking. I was pretty sure … Continue reading “Alien Looking Mushroom I Came Across – Possible Elfin Saddle (Gyromitra Infula)”
My Adventures at Injured Badger Hole – Episode 02
After leaving the cardboard box with food scraps in front of the burrow of the injured badger as seen in the Episode one of the series, my adventures continued with me making preparations for a more substantial meal for the badger. I made sure I had everything ready to return to the location the following … Continue reading “My Adventures at Injured Badger Hole – Episode 02”
My Adventures at Injured Badger Hole – Episode 01
On my daily strolls through the woods where I live, I came upon a burrow of a European Badger (Meles Meles). This particular one was the third badger burrow I found – the first unfortunately did not have any badgers living there, and a group of wood rats took over the dens. The second one … Continue reading “My Adventures at Injured Badger Hole – Episode 01”
Science Proven Health Benefits of Cordyceps, Reishi and Ginger + How I Make Them Into Tea
In this video I demonstrate how I make a tea from Cordyceps, Reishi and Ginger. Below is the transcript of the text on the science backed health benefits of each – Cordyceps, Reishi as well as Ginger. Links to the cited studies will be at the end of the post: Cordiceps Cordyceps is actually a … Continue reading “Science Proven Health Benefits of Cordyceps, Reishi and Ginger + How I Make Them Into Tea”