The “Moira Mushroom” spawned at Barmah

The “Moira Mushroom”, (Scientific Name: fungus-busstopus), is an extremely rare mushroom and appeared in Moore Street Barmah, just before Christmas.  This species of Mushroom unlike the common mushroom has a metallic like skin and lasts in its erect form literally forever.  Although not poison to eat, its hardness and size make it impossible to digest or prepare for the table. 

A few years ago now it was rumored the Moira Shire was looking at identifying significant roadside reserves.  Criteria for a significant roadside reserve are the fauna and flora present.  The rarer the flora the more significant the roadside.  Moore Street was deemed a perfect location for a significant roadside reserve, but it had no flora to qualify for this honor.  Where there is a will there is a way so it was deemed that Moore Street should be re-vegetated.  After much research and effort, spore for the, “Moira Mushroom”, was located.  To propagate the spore plenty of time, heifer’s dust, hot air, procrastination and a concrete slab are required.

Almost three years ago, to the day the SPORE was impregnated in the selected location in Moore Street.  For the spore to germinate all the above ingredients have to be applied at the correct rate and timing.  This was done with skill and diligence.  At the precise moment the mushroom appeared, the concrete slab was poured.

The first to investigate this phenomenon besides Barmah’s Bunyip, were stray dogs and then the local children.  In their eyes at least Moore Street now has a very significant roadside reserve.

Now as it happens the, “Moira Mushroom” emerged at precisely where school children that reside in Barmah’s southern end of town catch their school bus.  It became obvious that with a little improvisation the mushroom would serve as a much needed bus shelter. 

From Left: Stray Dog, Téa, Gordon, Shaquille, Taylor, Darcy, Jessica and Stray Dog under the Moira Mushroom.