While searching for old illustrations of fungi in Trove I came across the following in the Australian Town and Country Journal, Saturday 15 February 1879.
Here are some notes to accompany the observation.
The fungi is now known as Ophiocordyceps robertsii, note also that a species name is in lower case, even if named after a person.
In 1879 fungi were thought to be plants ... this is an understanding that survived well into the 20th Century.
The Atlas of Living Australia does record O. robertsii in Australia and New Zealand. It also notes (probably quoting Wikipedia) that ...
The parasitised caterpillar has been used by Māori as a food or ink for traditional tā moko tattoos. The charred caterpillars were mixed with fat to make a rich dark ink. Scientists suggest that the fungus produces antiseptic chemicals that can prevent infection.
I have not yet found any evidence of use of the fungus by Aboriginal people in Australia.
The medicinal qualities of the Chinese Caterpillar Fungus are proving to be more real than imaginary contrary to the article. Ophiocordyceps sinensis has been an ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 500 years and the harvesting of this fungi is now a multimillion dollar industry in Tibet.
Sphæria Robertsii.
THE figures represent two specimens, natural size, of this curious entophyte, or parasitic fungus. Sometimes specimens are met with more than twice the size. As will be seen the plant grows from the head, usually, if not always, springing from the eye of the grub or caterpillar of the moth (Hepialus virescens) which becomes its victim. The plant springs, no doubt, as with other of the fungi, from a spore, which, on com-ing in contact with the part of the animal adapted for its development, vegetates and ultimately destroys its life. The grub retains its original form, and seems to be lignified, or turned to wood. The species is found in New Zealand, and it is in reply to the inquiries of a correspondent in that colony that we have had the figures prepared.
A species (Sphæria sinensis) is in great repute in China for its supposed medicinal virtues. It is tied in bundles and sold in the shops. It is probable, however, that its curative properties are more imaginary than real.
A species of Sphæria is also often found in New South Wales, but whether it is identical with the New Zealand species, Robertsii, or distinct from it, we have not learned, We have seen specimens of this species with a plant growing from each eye of the grub. The grub here, which forms the host or victim, resembles that of one of the cicadæ, commonly, with us, called " locusts," but in reality be-longs to a large moth, and probably the parasite is identical with the New Zealand species. All the species are found under ground, and the specimens are frequently met with in the process of trenching for orchard planting, &c. The grub feeds on tree and shrub-roots. We have seen specimens five inches long, with the plant 14 inches.
Sources:
Sph[?]ria Robertsil. (1879, February 15). Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919), p. 19. Retrieved January 20, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70935416
Ophiocordyceps robertsii. Atlas of Living Australia. Retrieved Jan 20, 2022, from https://bie.ala.org.au/species/NZOR-6-65044
