BIRD NEST MUSHROOMS:
As with nearly all other organic matter, wood, cocoa bean shells and bark, all decompose over time. The primary organisms involved with this decomposition are bacteria and fungus (plural: fungi)…..OK mushrooms sounds better than fungus….especially when these mushrooms are found at the depot garden.
These odd and fascinating little mushrooms were found this week at the depot garden. They look like tiny birds’ nests. The fruiting bodies form little cuplike nests that contain spore-filled eggs. The nests are called “peridia” and serve as splash cups; when raindrops strike the nest, the eggs (called “periodoles”) are popped out of the nest. Attached to each “egg” is a long coiled thread (funicular cord) with a sticky end tucked inside a sleeve. When a raindrop launches the egg, the sleeve tears open and releases its contents.
Want to get rid of the fungus amoungus?
Don’t waste your time. …removing them is nearly impossible because of the size and amount. They are interesting to look at – show them to your children….. or your grandchildren! If they really are visually unattractive to you then the best bet is to mulch over them.
