Vacation Photos I: Fungi
Posted: September 6, 2021 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: fungi, fungus, nature photography 15 Comments
I spent my vacation in the northeast Appalachian Mountains visiting family and friends that we haven’t been with during the pandemic. No matter where I visit, I can always find interesting nature to photograph. This post highlights the fungi that caught my eye. Sorry, I haven’t researched the fungi names.
The shelf fungus is working on a tree stump. The colors are always so pretty on these.
This fungus called for a second look. The color and shape definitely looked like something else, but upon closer examination (yup, I did get down to take a good look and it didn’t smell) I concluded it was fungus.
An interesting white fungus was a tasty treat for crawling and flying creatures.
Automatic Gardening & Real Gluten Free Food 
Mother Nature does have her way with colorful magic. We should all be so creative in our cleaning.
Fungus is a very interesting plant.
I can help… The first is a Turkey-Tail Trametes versicolor. There are a couple of other similar. The second is Dead Man’s Fingers-Xylaria polymorpha. The third I am not sure of and looks like it has been made a meal of by the slugs. The cap is probably gone and we are seeing the gills which makes an ID difficult.
Fungi are actually not plants and, according to what I have read, more closely related to animals like us. Who’d a thunk it? 🙂 They are however close buddies as their “root” system called mycelium play a role in plants receiving minerals that the fungi break down and exchange for nutrients the plants create. There are miles and miles of fungal strands in a square yard of soil…if it’s healthy.
I thought someone might know. Dead Man’s Fingers is even worst than what I thought would be a good name. Fungi is truly amazing. I have watched a couple of documentaries on fungi, but really want to study them more.
I think the first is Turkey Tails, the others, who knows? The second sure is interesting-looking!
I couldn’t find the second anywhere.
Wonderful, I photograph fungus as well. It reminds me of coral.
They run the gambit of really beautiful to quite ugly.
Yes and weird..
That top one is gorgeous. I know so little about fungi, but the shelf ones really appeal. The second one’s a little odd, and the third is a bit…umm…unappealing. Still, it seems to be quite appealing to the creatures roaming over it.
They are extremely interesting and I really need to learn more about them.
Lovely shots and they’re such interesting and variable plants. I hope you had a wonderful vacation!
Yes, it was good to see family. Fungi do have an important role in this world. Everything is connected in some way.
Great photos! Never know slugs ate fungi.
Well, they are slugs. They really seemed to like that one and I didn’t see them on the others.