New Zealand Fungi and Lichens

DSC_2449 White basket fungus, or kopurawhetu (Ileodictyon cibarium) showing the eggs from which the growing fruit-body bursts free and unfolds. The lattice-work of the basket is covered in brown spore mass, and smells of rotting meat, attracting flies which feed on the liquid and disperse the spores. The basket can also break free from the egg and blow across the ground dispersing spores. This iconic native fungus has more than 35 Maori names, indicating it was well known throughout many regions of NZ. Also known from Australia. Taieri River *

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