NikonGear'23

Images => Nature, Flora, Fauna & Landscapes => Topic started by: Lars Hansen on November 11, 2015, 20:48:19

Title: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: Lars Hansen on November 11, 2015, 20:48:19
Just curious if someone can identify it.
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: Bjørn Rørslett on November 11, 2015, 20:54:19
Probably a fungus of some kind.
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: ColinM on November 11, 2015, 23:46:40
Yes, I think it's a fungus too.
I saw several variants of this last weekend. The dampness and warmth in the UK is a dream for fungi.
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: John Geerts on November 12, 2015, 00:12:57
Yes, it looks like a family-member of the 'Hericium' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hericium (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hericium)   and perhaps the Clathroides http://www.mantonature.nl/paddestoelen/slides/Hericium%20clathroides%20-%20Pruikzwam.html (http://www.mantonature.nl/paddestoelen/slides/Hericium%20clathroides%20-%20Pruikzwam.html)
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 12, 2015, 07:01:29
Is it edible? Looks really attractive structurally. A macro shot of it would be cool. Have one?
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: Lars Hansen on November 12, 2015, 21:45:21
Thanks for all the feedback.

As John suggested it is a Hericium species - as far as I understand a Hericium coralloides. Can be mistaken for Hericium erinaceus but that is extremely rare in Denmark.

It's relatively rare in Denmark - one source suggests an estimated growth of 350 found at 47 known locations. So, even if it is edible (Frank) it would be a bit unfair! :D
It almost always lives on dying or dead beech trees - preferably very old ones.     

I did have my macro lens in the bag but ...  here is a crop instead  ;)   
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: Frank Fremerey on November 13, 2015, 13:17:58
fascinating. like a tree covered in snow.
Title: Re: Is this just white moss or a tree fungus...
Post by: elsa hoffmann on November 14, 2015, 17:07:50
indeed truly fascinating!