Ghost Fungi spotted in Bayside
Banksia Bulletin contributor, Belinda Raymond, shares her recent walk through George Street Reserve, where she encountered Ghost Fungi.
The following article is taken from the Banksia Bulletin - winter 2024 edition.
Words by Belinda Raymond.
The cooler months, and a turn of the season, bring about the fruiting of many fungi species.
A Bushland Crew member recently took a walk through George Street Reserve and noticed Ghost Fungi (Omphalotus nidiformis) start to pop up on some of the Coast Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum).
Primarily found in southern Australia, this species of fungi has an amazing bioluminescence at night. If the bioluminescence is strong enough and the surrounding environment dark enough, you can see a white glow with the naked eye.
These images appear larger in the gallery box
Image credit: Belinda Raymond.
If, however, you take a long exposure photograph of it you will be able to capture the incredible green bioluminescence, as seen in the image above.
Read Banksia Bulletin winter 2024
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the Banksia Bulletin are not necessarily those of Bayside City Council nor its representatives.