Mother Nature's Artistry

This month's art is the Turkey Tail fungus (Trametes versicolor).  This is one of the most common types of fungus found in temperate zones around the world, and primarily grows on dead hardwood trees.  In North America it is found on more than 70 genera of trees.
Trametes uses enzymes to break down the cell walls of dead wood, feeding on the lignin contained therein.  The contrasting color zones are typical of this species.
Mother Nature's Artistry is a monthly feature on this blog.  Check back again next month to see what Mother Nature has been up to!

Stinkhorn fungus -- appropriately named!

Most people find these repulsive, but I find them fascinating.  They appear out of nowhere but always announce their presence far and wide by the strong smell (usually described as disgusting but I think of as VERY organic).  They grow on decaying wood and are fairly common along the gulf coast states.  Their peak season is October through March.
The slimy brown portion is the smelly part and the part which also contains the spores.  Flies are attracted to the smell and spread the spores to wherever they travel next. 
Different species come in a variety of colors and formations but all have the distinctive smell.  The photo here is of Clathrus columnatus.

If you'd like to know more there is excellent information at Mushroom Expert  and at floridata.com