Something interesting seen on a walk

mgray11

As I walked by, I noticed that the grass has grown through (or the fungal body grew around it?). Not really a "mushroom person" but I know pretty awesome when I see it. 😆

I'm not really sure what it is - phylogenetic-ly speaking.

Torey

Cool! Is it growing on the tree or the ground? It is hard to tell. I have seen this happen before, occasionally, but not to this extent. I think this may be a red-belted conk and they are usually pretty tough. You wouldn't think that a blade of grass could be that powerful.

mgray11

They both were growing on the tree but when I looked at the base of the fungus it ran diagonally into the tree, so it was nearly impossible to discern where it truly started at. Looking at the photos again (namely the second one)it looks like it grew/is growing around the grass. At least with that one.

This is in Seattle, WA, so I don't know if that factors into what type of fungus it is.

Cheers! ✌👍

ltwickey

With some of the blades of grass looking like they are dying off, it looks like the mushroom is growing into the stalks of grass.

Great photos!

Thanks for sharing!

Torey

@mgray11 Red-belted conks are common in Washington. This is a link to a page of pictures. As you can see they can be quite variable in shape, colour and size. https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/ShowDBImage/gallery.aspx?page=0&specrep=0&latinName=Fomitopsis%20pinicola

mgray11

Thanks for the identification, Google Lens was useless lol.

Definitely an interesting sight to see

Jaylene

Wow. Love the pics. So interesting

mgray11

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/868707#Comment_868707

Quite variable indeed! I'm glad mine somewhat resembles a pancake or I may have never taken a closer look.

mgray11

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/868707#Comment_868707

Wow "quite variable" almost seems like an understatement with these guys! I originally looked closer at them because they looked sort of like pancakes 😆 who knew they also look like clams, steak, etc as well

maimover

Very interesting...

Nancy A.Maurelli

Thanks for the great close up images, @mgray11. I am NOT surprised @torey that the grass could grow right through them, when you consider how tough the soil is in many places...

Cornelius

Grass 1, Mushroom 0. Although I think the fungus will have the last laugh. :)