Simon's Blog - Freaky Fungi
I know what you're thinking. "That fungus doesn't look that freaky."
But just have a look at where Jo and Darren Kitching found it's growing...
...in between the pebbles on Deal Beach.
Lots of other interesting specimens have been turning up in my meridianweather@itv.com inbox including this one Peter Beckett spotted in Sheffield Park in East Sussex...
It's Stag's-Horn Fungus, so named because of it's antler shaped prongs!
And have a look at this weird one that Teresa Haywood discovered in Rolvenden...
...which after extensive research (thank goodness for Google!) I’m thinking is an Earth Ball.
Here from James Pycroft is a close relative known as Earth Star...
...which as you can see opens up in the shape of a star.
Also spotted in Poole by Clare Brodie...
...who included the additional information that if you touch them they puff out black smoke.
Best not touch them then!
John Cuthbert sent in these photos of the Clathrus Archeri or Octopus Stink Horn. Here's the before...
....and this is the after...
Looks like something out of a horror film!
John says that they are only found here in the UK at one single location in Surrey.
And finally something festive from Pat Ferrett in Ramsgate...
...who has Turkey Tail Fungus growing on her apple tree.
It does remind me of something that's destined for the Christmas dinner table!