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Cobalt Crust Fungus

Terana caerulea

Description:

A speckling of semi-dry cobalt crust growing on oak rot. Also called "Velvet Blue Spread," this fungus, when exposed to high temperatures or other lab-controlled stimulants, produces an antibiotic that can be used to treat many common types of infections.

Habitat:

Oak rot found in the leaf litter of a mixed deciduous forest residential area. This type of crust fungus is fairly global, at least in the warmer climates. They distribute their pores in the autumn and usually dry out in colder weather only to spring back to life when a more favorable warmth and humidity come around!

Notes:

Additional Resource(s): https://morelmushroomhunting.com/species... | http://www.loyno.edu/lucec/natural-histo... | https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/teran...

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6 Comments

Matthew Hammond
Matthew Hammond 4 years ago

Thank you so much!

Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!

Maria dB
Maria dB 4 years ago

First time I've seen blue fungi! Nice spotting.

Mark Ridgway
Mark Ridgway 4 years ago

Love that stuff. Incredible color.

Matthew Hammond
Matthew Hammond 4 years ago

Thanks! I've only found it twice, but both times it was growing on an Oak species in moist warm weather!

Machi
Machi 4 years ago

Great spotting! I have been wanting to see this species for a long time.

Matthew Hammond
Spotted by
Matthew Hammond

Conway, Arkansas, USA

Spotted on Sep 16, 2019
Submitted on Sep 27, 2019

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