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Project Noah Nature School
Family Nidulariaceae, Cyathus sp.
Tiny fungi to 3 - 4 mm in diameter, resembling little bird's nests with 'eggs' in them. Growing en masse in decaying wood material. The tan-colored fruiting bodies mature and the white disc eventually dehisces. When raindrops hit the nests the peridioles (spores) are dispersed. The peridioles can be dispersed a metre away. They have a trailing hyphae that sticks to anything in the line of flight, plants or passing animals. For a mere fungus, it has an awesome method of dispersal.
Growing in shaded area on decomposing wood, near billabong. Cattana Wetlands, Nth QLD
Spotted on Mar 4, 2012
Submitted on Mar 7, 2013
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