There are at least five groups of this poisonous fungus that have appeared this year at the foot and by the roots of the old red oak that fell toward the water within a year of our moving here. This is a Jack O' Lantern, Omphalotus illudens and not a Chanterelles, as some think. I think the primary definition is that it grows in close clusters rather than individual mushrooms and that is has true gills.
We did think the tree fall might have been a warning omen but since many more trees have fallen both with storms and without them, we think this forest is just reaching its climax stage. I had to crawl through thorny bush, past spider webs and over large mounds of soft leaves and soft decaying wood to get this close. It was worth it, right?
There is a folk tale that the gills glow in the dark. Maybe if I have energy I will trump down to the dock with my camera this evening.
BEautiful fungus but there is a danger. I like the way you tell about the folktales about fungus.
ReplyDeleteWorth it, yes, but maybe not in the dark. You couldn't see the spiders.
ReplyDeleteWondering if you saw the gills glow!?
ReplyDeleteit's a gorgeous picture, so yeah, worth it. as for the forest, surely there are new trees coming up to replace they oldest ones, yes?
ReplyDeleteDeadly beauty.
ReplyDeleteThey appear to be glowing in your photo. Brave woman you are to go at dark to take your photo. But yes it probably is worth it! -- barbara
ReplyDeleteIt was worth it. Dogged perseverance in photography always gives the best shot.
ReplyDeletePoisonous or not, it sure is beautiful!
ReplyDelete