DSC_2562 Olive oyster (Pleurotus purpureoolivaceus) found on edge of southern beech forest on gorse trunk. This is one of several wood-decay fungi which have sticky traps to ensnare microscopic nematode worms, which provide an important source of nitrogen for the fungus. Nitrogen is a scarce nutrient in rotting wood. Catlins River *
DSC_0767 Earthball (Schleroderma citrinum) a hard lump containing a solid mass of purplish spores, and considered poisonous. At maturity the purple spore powder is released by the skin flaking from the top, to form a ragged crater with lobes that curl outwards. Sometimes called Stone fungus, or Pigskin poison puffball. Silverstream *
DSC_2333 Earthball (Schleroderma citrinum) a hard lump containing a solid mass of purplish spores, and considered poisonous (right). At maturity (left) the purple spore powder is released by the skin flaking from the top, to form a ragged crater with lobes that curl outwards. Sometimes called Stone fungus, or Pigskin poison puffball. Beech forest, Waipori Gorge *
