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Mariton: Fungi Walk

October 13, 2011

Our Tuesday Nature Walk had a special guest.  Marion (Martie) Kyde, a mycologist, lead the walk as we discovered fungi.  We saw about a dozen types of fungi and learned a lot of new information. 

 

For instance, I always called shelf fungi like the ones above Turkey Tails.  They have bands of different colors like a turkey’s tail.  However, I learned that Turkey Tails are polypores.  There are similar looking fungi that have “teeth-like” structures underneath, instead of pores.  Some even have gills underneath.  So, now when I look closely, I will know the difference.

 

Witch’s Butter Tremella mesenterica is an interesting fungus.  I learned a long time ago, that you can let this dry up.  Then a drop of water will re-hydrate it as you watch, bringing out the yellow color again.  Like magic.

 

This is one of the poisonous puffballs.  Specifically Poison Pigskin Puffball (Scleroderma sp.).

 

While not a fungus, this slime mold known commonly as Wolf’s Milk Slime is small, but very pretty.

A big thank you goes out to Martie who shared her knowledge and answered numerous questions about different fungi.  It was an interesting morning.  (Phots by Carole Mebus.)