Nature has so many cool things to observe, if we just take time to do so. On a recent trek through the nursery, I was taken by these photogenic chalices of Bird’s Nest Fungus. This natural work of art grows on mulch and compost, and has no detrimental effect on plants or animals. In reality, these structures are the fruiting bodies, which grow from an unseen, underground network of mycellium. In the environment, the job of these fungus is to assist with the decomposition of wood, which then provides food for plants. Each of the “eggs”, known as peridioles, contain millions of spores, which will be spread up to 3′ away by splashing water, into new mulch that needs decomposing. Despite the appearance, these are related to the better known shitake mushrooms.
Love Tony’s posts and how he notices and delights in the beauty of the plant world, from the tiny birds’ nest fungus to an agave taller than a person. So refreshing to read! Thank you, Tony.
Your timing is impeccable as I just found these in my mulch- I saw the pods first, then the little guys. By any chance, could the little spots all over my windows and siding be the spores?
Yes, the spores can attach to siding, so you may want to avoid wood mulch near the siding.