Hello, Newbie from Washington state, US here. Looking for experts to help me identify what appears to be fungi spores: We have had some dry weather here in our state. My spinach grew quick, seeded rapidly, needed lots of water. Now, we are experiencing a rainy spell. Spinach is not reacting well, and this fungi appeared on one plant, reaching out towards my lettuce. Ideas?
The material in the photo looks like a plant, not a fungus--a parasitic plant like dodder (Cuscuta sp.), perhaps?
How fascinating! I read about dodder here, and this was definitely it: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/dodder.html What a name for a plant - (parasite) - "Devil's Gut". . . I have removed all spinach from that section of the garden and tilled the soil. I suspect something about the nearby clover/onion patch attracted this odd plant. I will keep an eye out for it's return. Thanks all.