Fungus isn't something I've taken a lot of notice of in the past, unless I saw those traditional 'fairy' toadstools, the white-spotted red fly agarics. I've been reading recently how the ecosystem of a wood works, and how trees are linked by microscopic fungal networks, dubbed the 'wood wide web'. It's rather magical, so I decided to be more observant as I walked through Hirst Woods, to see how many fungi I could spot. At first I couldn't see any, but I gradually became more attuned and started to notice them, on dead wood and on living trees too. I didn't see any of the red ones, but there were quite a few different types. It's even harder for a novice to identify them than spot them though... I've tried googling different things but it's hard to be sure whether they are the same. I don't place any degree of trust in my ID-ing! There's one called 'hairy curtain crust' which looks similar to the one in the top photo. Don't they have wonderful names?
Those above are similar but not, I think, the same as those below. The top ones were tiny, the colour of shiny little bread buns and I'm not sure what they were - possibly sulphur tufts? The ones below, slightly bigger, are possibly Glistening inkcaps, as they appear to have a bit of a powdery coating.
Those below, similar shape, different colour... Might be angel's bonnet?
I thought immediately that the fungus below looked like a horse's hoof - and that, I think, is what it is called. A funny-looking thing...
The last one is another bracket fungus, possibly turkey tail.
The more I learn about them the less certain I am at identifying them, but the more marvellous they become.
ReplyDeleteAny that I have seen seem to grow quite rapidly! That is a fair assortment that you found, Jenny!
ReplyDeleteTerrific detail shots!
ReplyDeleteThese are all so beautiful! Well captured!
ReplyDeleteYour wide range of interest and observant eye continue to make your blog a delight. Thank you for keeping on.....the photographs are wonderful.
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