Identification: What is This?

Discussion in 'Fungi, Lichens and Slime Molds' started by Dylan G, Aug 26, 2008.

  1. Dylan G

    Dylan G Active Member

    Messages:
    96
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    CA, USA
    I discovered this in my pot with my Protea. I would like to know what it is and more importantly will it cause any damage or harm to my plant.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Aug 26, 2008
  2. Frog

    Frog Generous Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    2,658
    Likes Received:
    334
    Location:
    B.C., Canada
    They look like birds nest fungi: Can you confirm whether the cups which have opened, contain some little "eggs" (peridioles)?
     
  3. Dylan G

    Dylan G Active Member

    Messages:
    96
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    CA, USA
    I squeezed some of them and some "eggs" came out of them. Will they cause any damage or can I just leave it alone?
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    11,559
    Likes Received:
    574
    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    Safe to leave them, they use decaying dead plant matter, not live. And removing the spore-producing bodies wouldn't do any good anyway, as the mycelium will be throughout the pot.
     
  5. C.Wick

    C.Wick Active Member

    Messages:
    679
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Atchison
    Often the decaying bodies of fungi can also help enrich the soil? Between snails and fungi...the matter that both produce...have surprising benifits at times. You're plant should definately be safe!
     
  6. Dylan G

    Dylan G Active Member

    Messages:
    96
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    CA, USA
    Thanks for the help. I was a bit surprised to see it since I try to keep the pot on the dry side. I don't know much about fungi so I am a little concerned when I see a new type growing somewhere. I'll let it be and see I see any more come up around the yard in the future.
     

Share This Page