RARE fungi that could have medicinal properties has been found flourishing in Worcestershire.

The Ganoderma resinaceum ‘Lacquered Bracket’ has been discovered growing on oak trees in Malvern Wells.

The elusive orange fungi, which is inedible, was first spotted at the base of an oak near the cemetery in Green Lane by mycologist Sheila Spence six weeks ago. On Tuesday, the 56-year-old journalist found a second specimen near the Three Counties Showground.

Mrs Spence, of Ledbury, who is registered with the British Mycological Society (BMS) and is surveying fungi on the Malvern Hills and Commons for the Malvern Hills Conservators, said: “I’ve been recording it and watching it grow. It started as a small bubble coming out of the tree and it’s maturing quite nicely. Eventually it will turn black and rot away.”

According to the national fungus database, Lacquered Bracket has only been recorded at one other site in Worcestershire in 1987 and there are only 296 records for the whole UK going back to the 1800s.

Mrs Spence said it had been used in Chinese medicine for years.

Anyone who finds unusual fungi is urged not to pick or eat it, but call Mrs Spence on 01684 892002 or e-mail marches fungi@btinternet.com.

l The BMS will be displaying fresh fungi at the Malvern Autumn Show at the Three Counties Showground on September, Saturday 27 and Sunday, September.