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Project Noah Nature School
Aseroe rubra
Red star-shaped structure with 6-9 arms with splits in the tips covered in brownish/black slime on a pink to white stalk toward the base . They are very short lived , these where almost mostly black the very next day. They emerge from pale cream/brown balls/eggs and when cut in half as above picture it contains a fully formed compressed fruiting body. The stalk when cut , shows large vacant pockets , to aid the structure to stand with the weight of the top, the stalk is like sponge. The smell is quiet pungent , foul smell...but had to put it under my nose , wasn't as bad as i have heard.
Very damp floor of the forest , amongst rotting bark and leaf litter, also an area where wood chips has been thrown .
It attracts flies, which spread its spores. Lucky for me , ladies on the forage day , where taking one home for microscopic work , so got to see one inside and out :)
Spotted on Jan 30, 2015
Submitted on Feb 3, 2015
4 Comments
Thanks Jae....was with a much older retired doctor whom takes her fungi very serious , so had to make sure i got all the photo's she required, as she isn't able to bend or kneel ...but still managed to take a quick pick of me head down butt up ! hahah
Yes , Helen made it possible for me to finally see one by inviting me to her part of Tas such a very special lady , Pat made it even more so to see inside...and then the very next day , found one by myself ..popping up all over. :)
Awesome spotting, Charlie, and great serie of photos.
Incredible. Makes me think of Helen and Pat. :)