New Zealand Fungi and Lichens

DSC_6222 Coral fungus (Ramariopsis ramarioides) stalked, upright, almost antler-like fruit bodies with a cartilaginous feel to them. Pale cinnamon pink in colour, darker at the base. 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 *

DSC6222Coral fungusRamariopsisramarioidesfruit bodiesWaikaia Forest