In the woods that fringe Beetley Meadows, is this old half-dead tree. The trunk still appears to be solid enough, and shows no sign of falling down anytime soon. But it has no branches, and hence no foliage, so is unlikely to survive much longer.
I spotted these growths appearing on this tree some time ago. I presumed that they were a kind of fungus. However, over the past year, they have become larger, and have also solidified. Although the underside has a sponge-like feel, almost resembling polythene, the outer casings are as hard as metal, and stuck solid to the trunk. I took some photos of them today, as I know how many of you like to see some nature. As usual, they can all be enlarged for detail.
From a short distance, you can see how many there are on this one tree.
Moving in closer, there are some at different stages of development.
This one on the right of the group is the ‘Daddy’ of them all. It is about ten inches across, and feels as hard as iron.
I have no doubt that many of you nature-watchers out there will be able to tell me just what these alien lumps are. I await the news in the comments section.
(Got the answer very quickly. See the link in David’s comment below. It is a fungus.)
We used to have them too, as large as dinner plates growing on our dead avocado tree.
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They are all over the world then, Arlene. That’s interesting, and good to hear that you have seen them too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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The tree has dried up and we already cut it but they were still there, brown and withered.
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Thanks, Pete, I don’t think I’d ever seen any quite that big (not that I knew what they were before). Fascinating!
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Olga, I have to confess that I do find them unusually interesting! (I need to get out more, obviously…)
Best wishes, Pete.
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Dryad – that’s a bingo! (you just say bingo)
xxx
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Bingo? Don’t get that one, Em. XXX
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I was just being silly š sorry Pete xxx
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That’s OK, Em. I thought I had missed some pop-culture reference!
Feel free to be as silly as you want. xxx
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It’s a quote from Inglourious Bastards lol sometimes when I’m typing (or talking) I just say things without really thinking it through!! Happy Friday from a silly head! xxx
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I have seen that film, (and have the DVD) but it didn’t register with tree-lumps! xxx
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It’s when the Jew Hunter says “that’s a bingo!” and Aldo replies “You just say Bingo” towards the end of the film š always find it mildly amusing, mainly down to Aldo’s grave tone! xxx
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When you mentioned the film, I got it. I just didn’t get it at the time. xxx
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Every days a school day!
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The good thing about blogging. As old as I get, I never stop learning!
Love to all over there. Pete.
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Thank you to the chap that posted the link and I also now know what a Dryad is. I blew the photos up….. really sharp images on that camera Pete.
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Not bad, for a 2/3 sensor at f5.6. For the money, it is a great carry-around compact, which I personally feel benefits from the Fuji colour selections and HDR.
Regards, Pete.
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Remind me what one you went for Pete.
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These were from the Fuji X30 compact. I also have the S5 pro slr, but rarely use it now.
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didn’t know you were fuji shooter too š great shots!
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It’s an X30 compact, FR. I also have an SLR, a Fuji S5 pro, but normally use the compact.
(Remember the Fuji blog? you saw me on there.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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ah yes doh! š
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Burl
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Have a look at the Wikipedia link lower down, Theo. I am sure that’s the same thing. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Really bizarre! I don’t know why the Dryads are so desperate to get out of a dead tree. They’re making a mess of it!
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Maybe medicinal mushrooms. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomes_fomentarius
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That article seems to have nailed it, David. They do resemble a horse’s hoof, and the photo is identical. Thanks for the solution.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I had to look up what a Dryad was!
Cheers, Pete.
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I second that Pete.
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I’m sure that someone will know what they are, Lloyd. Glad you liked them.
Regards, Pete.
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Wow! Great pictures Pete, can’t wait to find out what they are š xxx
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Thanks, Em. Me too! XXX
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I’m going to check the comments now for responses!! š xxx
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