New Zealand Fungi and Lichens

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 *

DSC2562OliveoysterPleurotuspurpureoolivaceussouthern beechwooddecayfungifungustrapnematode wormsnitrogennutrientrotting woodCatlins River