#saprobes

[farmer-v]

I presume this is some sort of staining fungus (species unknown) degrading driftwood on the beach. These pioneer saprobes (saprotrophic=feed on dead material) are an early part of the wood decay process. The green colored stain comes from the fungus’ melanin deposition. While these fungi are not capable of degrading complex polymers like lignin and cellulose, they can consume easily accessible sugars in the dead plant cells. These organisms grow and reproduce quickly, however pioneer saprobes are eventually wiped out by fungal species that secrete antibiotics later in the decomposition process. Let me know if you recognize this beautiful pattern of decay.

*Update: a mycologist has informed me that this could very well be a pigmented fungus, but it could also be algae remnants. This gives me an excuse to go back to the coast so I can determine if my hypothesis is correct :)

[unforgettabletruelove]

Hello people of tumblr! I’m an eclectic interdisciplinary artist and poet in love with love. I post original content--photos, art, poetry, and other musings here are my own unless stated otherwise. The Fae Folk will frown on filching, inviting frustrations to be visited upon ye. I'm here looking for distraction/recovery from reality and interaction with the Otherworld. I believe that art heals the soul—whether you are viewing it or making it. I believe with all of my being that everyone is creative. Art is for everyone. My other passions include tea, cottagecore, forests, liminal spaces, mushrooms and lichens, fairies and other forest spirits, all things magical and magick, beauty and awe, cosmic horror, ghosties, haunted everything, stories, vintage aesthetic, music, moss, poetry, and more…. Let’s pour a cup of tea and have conversations and tell stories. I look forward to sharing my art and poetry, philosophies, inspirations, and who knows what else…Welcome to my little cozy corner!

[biology-geology-beaches-india]

The Science Research Cahiers of S. Sunkavally. Page 275.

[cedar-glade]

Phallus rubicundus,

A specific spore holding gleba head presenting dog stink horn that is known for its unique smell that acts as a fly attractant. This species is a common saprophytic species usually observed in mulch beds or in long decaying nursery logs. This species is often confused with a more common look-a-like, Mutinus elegans, that can be easily told apart by the head or cap characteristic. Phallus rubicundus has a head that is completely separate from the stalk where Mutinus elegans has it’s head completely fused to the stalk.

[shoplarkabout]

Scarlet elf cap, saw them peeking out of the leaf litter. #fungi #mushrooms #saprobes #redmushroom #scarletelfcap #sarcoscypha

[libutron]

Saprobic mushrooms

Decomposers are essential for the survival of ecosystems. Saprobic mushrooms are fungi that act as decomposers, feeding on dead and decaying wood, leaves, litter, and other organic matter. To digest this they secrete enzymes that break it down. This releases and recycles vital nutrients for other organisms, and helps dispose of organic waste.

In the photo: Mycena subcana (left) and Xeromphalina campanella (right) decomposing a conifer stump in Ordeson-Todd Woods, in Ashland, Oregon, US.

Photo credit: ©Mike Potts