Late Summer Post

Fencepost of the Week #190
 

 

 A nice assemblage with late-summer vibes.

 

 

Alder Tongue

 

These strange growths on alder cones are cause by a fungus - Taphrina alni - but they are actually galls. Like the structures produced by gall-wasps, the natural growth of the plant is distorted by the fungus to produce distinctive structures for its benefit.

Taphrina alni - alder tongue

Taphrina alni - alder tongue

Taphrina alni - alder tongue

Taphrina alni - alder tongue

Mouldy Ruby Bolettes

These are ruby bolettes - Hortiboletus rubellus. They seem to be emerging from the ground already coated in a thick layer of white mould.

 Here's a photo taken at the same spot a few years ago, with less mould:

A Cup Lichen Fringe

 Fencepost of the Week #189