DSC_6577 Ashen Coral fungus (Tremellodendropsis tuberosa) tough, coral-like fungus with white, narrow, highly branched fruiting body. Saprobic fungi such as these break down dead vegetable matter in the soil, such as branches and logs. They are the only multi-celled organisms able to digest structural proteins such as cellulose and lignin, both major components of wood (these are tough organic molecules that nobody else wants to bother with). Steyning Stream, Lewis Pass *
DSC_2079 Coral fungus (Ramaria junquilleo-vertex) this species can produce a fruiting body 10-15cm across. O'Malleys Track, Waimakariri River *
DSC_4655 Yellow-tipped coral fungus (Ramaria samuelsii) common beneath both Southern beech and manuka. Saprobic fungi such as these break down dead vegetable matter in the soil, such as branches and logs. They are the only multi-celled organisms able to digest structural proteins such as cellulose and lignin, both major components of wood (these are tough organic molecules that nobody else wants to bother with). Waikaia Forest *
