Anne Elliott's photos with the keyword: wood chips

Last night, I had just started looking for a colourful image to upload today (2 November 2015) with two dull, brown shots, when I came across a folder of these Stinkhorns. Hadn't uploaded this one, so thought I'd use it. Oh, boy, we need a much brighter, more colourful image than this one this morning, because it's SNOWING! And it's settling, unfortunately. We really can't complain, though, as we have just enjoyed a wonderful fall. For years, I had wished I could see some kind of Stinkhorn fungus, partly because they make such interesting images : ) On 24 June 2012, friend Phil e-mailed to say that there were all sorts of "things" (he sent a photo) growing locally, where we had seen other fungi growing previously. After a bit of a search that evening, I found these small (this is a telemacro image and they are maybe an inch and a half to 3" in height), pink fungi that I thought must be some species of Stinkhorn. Sure enough, I searched on Google and quickly found them. Wasn't quite sure exactly which species this is, as there were photos of several similar ones. The greeny-brown slime contains the spores. Thanks to kuteram for the ID: Mutinus elegans! I really appreciated your taking the time to do this! "The young fruiting bodies are initially white and spherical or egg-shaped, partially submerged in the ground, with dimensions of 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) by 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in). As the fruit body matures, the egg ruptures and the spongy spore-bearing stalk emerges; fully grown, it may be from 1 to 15 cm (0.4 to 5.9 in) long and 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) thick. The stalk is hollow and strongly wrinkled overall; its shape is cylindrical below, but it gradually tapers to a narrow apex with a small opening at the tip. The upper half of the stalk is bright red to reddish orange, and the color gradually loses intensity transforming into pinkish white below. The stalk may be straight, or slightly curved. A gelatinous greenish-brown gleba covers the upper third of the stalk in newly emerged specimens. The remains of the "egg" forms a volva around the base of the stalk .... Mutinus elegans is saprobic—deriving nutrients by breaking down dead or dying organic matter. It is commonly found in gardens and farm areas enriched with manure, near well-decayed stumps and logs, and in wood chips." From Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutinus_elegans

Thought I'd better quickly dig into my archives and find three things that are not winter scenes, owls or wildlife. Much as I love those three, I'm feeling the need for colour and something different. Recently, the main thing I have been seeing and photographing is the tiny, uncommon (in Alberta) Northern Pygmy-owl. I try to spread those photos out a little bit, but you are probably all getting weary of seeing this little guy/gal : ) Make the most of today, as I can't promise that I won't be back to the owl tomorrow or the next day, lol. For years, I had wished I could see some kind of Stinkhorn fungus, partly because they make such dramatic images : ) Friend Phil e-mailed back in June 2012 to say that there were all sorts of "things" (he sent a photo) growing locally, where we had seen other fungi growing previously (i.e. a matter of a few feet outside the edge of Fish Creek Park). After a bit of a search, on 24 June 2012, I found these small (this is a telemacro image, and they are up to maybe 3" tall), pink fungi that I thought must be some species of Stinkhorn. Sure enough, I searched on Google and quickly found them. Wasn't quite sure exactly which species this was, as there were several similar ones. Thanks to kuteram for the ID: Mutinus elegans! "The young fruiting bodies are initially white and spherical or egg-shaped, partially submerged in the ground, with dimensions of 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 in) by 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in). As the fruit body matures, the egg ruptures and the spongy spore-bearing stalk emerges; fully grown, it may be from 1 to 15 cm (0.4 to 5.9 in) long and 1.5 to 2 cm (0.6 to 0.8 in) thick. The stalk is hollow and strongly wrinkled overall; its shape is cylindrical below, but it gradually tapers to a narrow apex with a small opening at the tip. The upper half of the stalk is bright red to reddish orange, and the color gradually loses intensity transforming into pinkish white below. The stalk may be straight, or slightly curved. A gelatinous greenish-brown gleba covers the upper third of the stalk in newly emerged specimens. The remains of the "egg" forms a volva around the base of the stalk .... Mutinus elegans is saprobic—deriving nutrients by breaking down dead or dying organic matter. It is commonly found in gardens and farm areas enriched with manure, near well-decayed stumps and logs, and in wood chips." From Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutinus_elegans

I love coming across mushrooms that have split this way, almost ressembling the petals of a flower. Found growing in mulch at the edge of Fish Creek Park, on 24 June 2012.

These mushrooms start off (as seen in my last fungi photo that I posted) with very pale caps and then darken and create these wonderful patterns. They remind me of Hot Cross Buns that you can buy around Easter time : ) There were lots of this kind of mushroom on the edge of Fish Creek park at the eastern end recently, but they quite quickly dried and shrivelled up, forming most unphotogenic (if there is such a word), shapeless piles on top of the mulch. Any chance this might be Cracked-Cap Mushroom / Agrocybe dura?

This one had collapsed from its original upright position, but I thought it was still interesting to see more closely the details of the sponge-like texrure. For years, I had wished I could see some kind of Stinkhorn fungus, partly because they make such dramatic images : ) Friend Phil e-mailed a month ago to say that there were all sorts of "things" (he sent a photo) growing locally, where we had seen other fungi growing previously (i.e. a matter of a few feet outside the edge of Fish Creek Park). After a bit of a search, on 24 June 2012, I found these small (this is a telemacro image, and they are up to maybe 3" tall), pink fungi that I thought must be some species of Stinkhorn. Sure enough, I searched on Google and quickly found them. Wasn't quite sure exactly which species this is, as there were several similar ones. Thanks to kuteram for the ID: Mutinus elegans! I really appreciate your taking the time to do this!

For years, I have wished I could see some kind of Stinkhorn fungus, partly because they make such dramatic images : ) Yesterday, friend Phil e-mailed to say that there were all sorts of "things" (he sent a photo) growing locally, where we had seen other fungi growing previously. After a bit of a search yesterday evening, I found these small (this is a telemacro image and they are maybe an inch and a half to 3" in height), pink fungi that I thought must be some species of Stinkhorn. Sure enough, I searched on Google and quickly found them. Wasn't quite sure exactly which species this is, as there were several similar ones. Will have to look them up again tonight, as I am running SO late this morning - I need to get my car out of the parking lot ready for the roofers returning, which means I will have to take off for the whole day (supposedly 7:00 a,m, till 7:00 p,.m.) as still no street parking permit has arrived in the mail. Thanks to kuteram for the ID: Mutinus elegans! I really appreciate your taking the time to do this!

What a sight to see : ) On the very rare occasion (once in a year, or twice if we are lucky!), we might see a cluster of 3-10 of these teeny fungi. Yesterday, I came across hundreds, even thousands, of them, growing amongst woodchips, barely noticeable. Most of the "nests" were empty - the rain disperses the very tiny "eggs", but you can still see a few lying around. I took a lot of photos, but the light was atrocious (as it has been almost all "summer", LOL). Might just have to go back sometime. Here comes the sun, FINALLY, after an overcast, cold, wet "summer - yay!!!!!! Enjoy it, everyone. I have a volunteer shift to go to, so will be indoors : (

For years, I have wished I could see some kind of Stinkhorn fungus, partly because they make such dramatic images : ) Yesterday, friend Phil e-mailed to say that there were all sorts of "things" (he sent a photo) growing locally, where we had seen other fungi growing previously. After a bit of a search yesterday evening, I found these small (this is a telemacro image and they are maybe an inch and a half to 3" in height), pink fungi that I thought must be some species of Stinkhorn. Sure enough, I searched on Google and quickly found them. Wasn't quite sure exactly which species this is, as there were several similar ones. Later: thanks to kuteram for the ID: Mutinus elegans! I really appreciate your taking the time to do this! www.flickr.com/photos/annkelliott/7439845662