It was amazing when I went to the woods and could not find the entrance, as it was full of cow parsley.
I had to excuse myself to search for some fungi.
I went to the mossy area and found this cute mushroom, possibly the Mycena kuurkacea. It has no known use. But like other mushrooms, it contributes to the functioning and biodiversity of forest ecosystems, playing essential roles in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and ecological processes.
Checking the gills with the stick. Oi! Leave me alone!! :)
Besides, there were a few wood ears, delicious in a dish, but there wasn't enough in that area, so I left them alone.
A little further was King Alfred's cake, weeping its black spores.
I also saw the biggest and brightest eyelash fungus today; there were only a few last weeks, but loads are growing everywhere today.
I also noticed a peculiar marking on a tree, as if someone had carved it around and peeled it off.
Then I noticed beside it the whitewashed lichen (Phlyctis arena); it looked like the tree had been painted white, hence the name.
I initially wondered if this whitewashed lichen was the culprit of that peeling bark as it was in the same round shape, but knowing that lichen doesn't harm trees, I concluded that it wasn't.
Then I spotted this on one tree: the netted crust. Scientifically known as Byssoloma sp., it is a type of lichen characterized by its crusty thallus that forms a net-like pattern.
Outside the forest, I noticed a huge conker tree with fungi growing everywhere.
This one is common orange lichen, very attractive, almost covering the trunk with bright orange;
I was amused by its striking color, especially when the sun hit it.
Some Ramalina lichen and moss are everywhere, but these are not parasitic. They only attach themselves to the tree and do not extract nutrients from the tree but from the surface and atmosphere.
Lichens are made up of a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium) living together in a mutually beneficial relationship; they produce their food through photosynthesis (thanks to the algae) and obtain minerals from rainwater, dust, and air.
The tree is also covered with whitewash lichen.
The last one I have seen is like a mint green carpet covering part of the tree. This is called Fairy puke lichen (Icmadophila ericetorum), peppermint drop lichen or candy lichen. They must be remnants of forest fairies' wild night out! :)
It was getting dark, so I headed back, I lost myself in nature and had forgotten everyday stresses and worries.
Happy Fungi Friday, everyone, I hope you had a good one!
Mariah 💗
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