What is this?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Rachie, Aug 16, 2019.

  1. Rachie

    Rachie New Member

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    I live in California, Stanislaus County(central California). I found these in my garden while cleaning. They were in the dirt, around a pot. Didn’t realize until I moved the pot. Are they a fungus?Eggs? Their texture was firm and squishy with the purple thin covering..
     

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  2. Margot

    Margot Renowned Contributor 10 Years

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    I have no idea what you have found in your garden but am very curious . . . so I'm replying only to keep this post front and centre in the hopes that someone can identify your aliens.
     
  3. Tyrlych

    Tyrlych Rising Contributor 10 Years

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    Lathraea buds parhaps ?
     
  4. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    So you're saying bulbs of some plant?
     
  5. Tyrlych

    Tyrlych Rising Contributor 10 Years

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  6. Frog

    Frog Generous Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Could you cut one in half and provide a close up of the cross-section?
    These do look fungal to me, possibly stinkhorn* fungi, but I am not certain - can't see enough detail to tell.
    A look at the cross-section should help.
    Also, if they are stinkhorns they may still emerge from their "eggs" in the next few days even after disconnected from mycelia in the soil.

    * e.g. Phallus hadriani CalPhotos: Phallus hadriani; Hadrian's Stinkhorn
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2019
    Sundrop likes this.
  7. Rachie

    Rachie New Member

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    Thank you! I also thought they were alien pods‍♀️ I stepped on one and I first I thought I squished a slug..I will go back in that area of the garden to see if there are any more, to take better photos.
     
  8. Frog

    Frog Generous Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Thank you @Rachie - and if one of the photos could be a cross section that would be marvellous, as I am curious about what you have there.
    Thanks
    -frog
     
  9. Rachie

    Rachie New Member

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    I really wished I would of taken better photos @Frog. I went back to the garden and I couldn’t find anymore. There were squishy but a hard middle.the inside was a white film, transparent, and the texture reminded me of a slug. Few were left out and have completely dried. They are extremely hard and can’t be broken apart. I really appreciate everyone’s curiosity and help!:) to trying to figure what this is out.:)
     
  10. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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    If you had found these earlier, maybe in late spring, then Sarcosoma globosum could be an option.
    sarcosoma globosum - Google Search

    According to the SARCOSOMATACEAE in the Pacific Northwest S. globosum is present in the Eastern States, but not yet authoritatively identified from the Western States.
    But its relative, Urnula padeniana, should be growing in the Western States also, and it is a summer species.
    Urnula padeniana - Google Search

    Urnula craterium looks very similar to those remainings on your photos:
    Urnula craterium Devil Urn Schwarze Kelchbecher Urnule cratériforme cratère Урнула бокаловидная 柄付黒洋盃茸 Zvoneček pohárkovitý pohárová Urnička kráterovitá Diabelska urna Urnseen Pähkinämaljakas Crni pehar Fekete kehelygomba エツキクロコップタケ Krateriškasis taurūnis Krātera urnula 말미잘버섯 Rökpipsvamp Pecljata žara Урнула бокальчатая

    And this could be it:
    Sarcosphaera coronaria
    California Fungi: Sarcosphaera coronaria
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2019

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