September Observation of the Month
The September Observation of the Month at Prescott Farm is this Viscid Violet Cort mushroom photographed by @ashleybarajas. All summer we have been enjoying the amazing variety of fungi that has been springing up with the moisture.
In addition, to being fascinating to look at mushrooms are the reproductive structures of fungi and produce spores. The spores are released from the gills on the underside of the mushroom. While we see the mushroom above ground, the mycelium of the fungus are at work in the conifer humus. They break down the old pine needles and organic materials for nutrition for the fungus and contribute to soil formation in the process.
Mushrooms are also a source of food for some animals, and it looks like someone has been nibbling on this one.
Photos by ashleybarajas CC-BY-NC https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
