Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Coastal BC Fungi: Orange Peel Fungus

Orange Peel Fungus

When Wayne and I took a quad ride, the roads seemed to be littered with bright orange confetti. When we stopped to consult a map, I found the source. It was a fungus growing right out of the rocky soil.

Some were tiny and growing in clusters, but some were several inches across. They are called Orange Peel Fungus, a very appropriate common name. They look like just like bright orange peels curled up on the ground. The scientific name is aleuria aurantia. It's a cup fungus that likes to grow in clay soil, disturbed areas, and along road cuts and banks.


Orange Peel Fungus lives on and decomposes organic matter, ultimately enriching the soil where it grows. You can look for it during summer and fall in most North American locations. -- Margy

17 comments:

  1. Amazing that a fungus can look so strikingly attractive. I'd never have guessed what it was.

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    1. I had to go back to Google search and look for pictures that looked familiar. That is such a great feature when trying to identify plants, insects, etc. - Margy

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  2. Orange fungi! This is new to me!
    Thank you for showing.

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  3. Thank you for getting us acquainted with the Orange Peel Fungi! I learn a lot by blogging. Even if I forget names nowadays, they will pop up when I see the pictures again, Beautiful!
    Wil, ABCW Team.

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    1. I do too, and getting ready for blogging is always a learning experience for me as well. - Margy

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  4. Very cool, and something I had not heard of before. Thanks for the intro!

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  5. I've never heard of this one at all. Love the colour and shape. Great photos as well.

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  6. New to me. Orange, indeed. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. That's a strange fungus, almost looks like a flower !

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  8. Hi! The fungus looks like a flower. Your photos are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Such a fascinating looking fungus. I love the colour and the formation it takes.

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  10. Looks like a flower, its too pretty to be a fungus, ha ha.

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  11. THAT's what they are called! I'll forget now. And forget where I read this! So much to learn, tons more to forget!!!!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  12. What a great contrast.

    ROG, ABCW

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  13. Such a bright orange. I like it. we see it when we hike rocky areas.
    MB

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  14. Thanks for all the comments on my Orange Peel Fungus this week. It's been fun taking pictures and researching them when I get home. I learn so much just getting ready for ABC Wednesdays. - Margy

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  15. Beautiful orange fungus. Thanks for joining! Your photo will be featured on OYGIF this weekend. Hope you could drop by.

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy