The woods came alive with new species after days of rain and temperatures of 80-90 degrees. Here are some of my “Foto Finds” from this scenic park.
One particularly fascinating find was the Monotropa Uniflora (below). It is a white plant that doesn’t have the Chlorophyll needed for the life-giving photosynthesis process. It relies on members of the Russula fungus species (example below) through a plant/fungi symbiotic relationship called Myco-heterotrophy. What makes this even more interesting is that the Russula is able to provide this support for the Monotropa uniflora because of its mycorrhizal (fungi/tree) relationship with oak and pine trees. This type of symbiotic relationship allows the Russula mushroom to gather the sugars needed from photosynthesis (occuring in the oak and pine trees) and pass it along to the Monotropa uniflora. The oak and pine trees benefit from their mycorrhizal relationship with the Russula because it provides their root systems with additional water and minerals that work to keep them healthy. Some of these are phosphorous and nitrogen. Links to more information are found below.
Name: Monotropa Uniflora (plant)
Additional Information: Click here
More information about Myco-heterotrophy
Video explanation from Adam Haritan: Click here
More of my Monotropa species photos
Name: Russula pulchra
Additional Information: Click here
Information about mycorrhizal relationships
More of my Russula species photos
Name: Boletus subvelutipes
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Boletus species photos
Name: Hygrocybe flavescens
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Hygrocybe species photos
Name: Lactarius helvus (possible)
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Lactarius species photos
Name: Galiella rufa
Additional Information: Click here
More of my photos
Name: Trichaptum biforme
Additional Information: Click here
More of my photos
Name: Piptoporus betulinus
Additional Information: Click here
More of my photos
Name: Megacollybia rodmanii
Additional Information: Click here
More of my photos
Name: Phlebia incarnata
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Phlebia species photos
Name: Polyporus radicatus
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Polyporus species photos
Name: Toad
More of my wildlife photos
Name: Hypholoma species (possible)
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Hypholoma species photos
Name: Marasmius sullivantii
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Marasmius species photos
Name: Hypomyces chrysospermus
Additional Information: Click here
More of my photos
Name: Amanita praecox
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Amanita species photos
Name: Gymnopus dryophilus parasitized by Syzygospora mycetophila (and a slug starting to have a meal)
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Gymnopus species photos
Name: Ganoderma applanatum
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Ganoderma species photos
Name: Cantharellus minor
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Cantharellus species photos
Name: Tylopilus felleus
Additional Information: Click here
More of my Tylopilus species photos
Name: Apheloria virginiensis montana
Additional Information: Click here
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