2019

LVM Planner Finds a Mushroom not Yet Seen in Latvia

Work in forest is a task that is responsible and full of new discoveries at any time and any hour of the day. During a forest inventory in Mērsrags Forest District, LVM Northern Kurzeme Planner found a mushroom not yet seen in Latvia before. In collaboration with a mycologist of the Latvian Museum of Natural History, the species of the rare mushroom has been identified and its picture will complement the forthcoming book of mushrooms.

“Forest is my church, it runs in the family - we are already the fifth generation working in the forest. In the 20 years since my workplace has been in the woods, I have found many interesting and unseen things, observed unusual phenomena, and I can enjoy the beauty of nature every day. I like everything that is unusual. Perhaps that is why I noticed this mushroom in the woods; it has not yet been given the Latvian name - my find is the first recorded one,” says LVM Planner Ieva Kukle-Ozoliņa.

When we failed to identify the rare find, the mushroom discoverer sought help from the Latvian Museum of Natural History, where she received support from mycologist Inita Daniela, who had not encountered this mushroom before. After taking a sample in the forest and bringing it to the Museum of Natural History, the mycologist was able to identify the mushroom species precisely. It is Pterula multifida.

As the mushroom is the first recorded find in the Latvian forests, the photo made by the LVM Planner has been included in the forthcoming book of mushrooms.