Mysterious 'living fur' invades woman's garden: Find out what this bizarre phenomenon could be!
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Australia's natural environment is a treasure trove of oddities and curiosities, and sometimes, the most peculiar things can pop up right in our own backyards.
This was precisely the case for one woman who encountered a rather unusual sight in her garden—something that looked like clumps of black animal fur sprouting from the ground.
Every year, as if on schedule, these strange growths emerge, leaving the homeowner scratching her head in bewilderment.
The long, thread-like strands stand upright amidst the soil, bark, and fallen leaves, creating a spectacle that's both fascinating and slightly unnerving.
In search of answers, the woman turned to the internet, hoping that a group of experts could shed some light on her garden's mysterious visitors.
She posted her query on the Australian and New Zealand Fungus Identification social media page, wondering if these puffballs were a type of fungi or something else entirely.
'At first, I thought it was animal fur, but pretty sure it’s alive! Would be great if anyone knew what it was!' she expressed her curiosity and slight concern.
The online community, always ready to assist with such enigmas, didn't disappoint.
An administrator of the page identified the peculiar growths as belonging to a genus of fungus known as 'Phycomyces’.
The response was delivered with a touch of humour, suggesting that the fungus thrives on organic waste.
‘That is what happens when my cat does not cover [faeces] properly,’ one commenter said.
But for a definitive answer, Professor Dr Brett Summerell, a Fungi Expert, confirmed that the backyard find was indeed a pin mould, likely a species of Phycomyces.
He explained: ‘They often grow on mushrooms as they decay, on animal droppings and in other things that are decaying in wet conditions.’
‘You can often see related species in the fridge on old fruit and veggies if you leave them in there too long.’
He reassured that while pin moulds ‘aren’t hazardous in outdoor situations’, they can occasionally cause problems indoors, such as triggering allergies.
According to Oxford Academic, the presence of Phycomyces, a filamentous fungus, is more common in humid environments and is often associated with mammalian dung in moist forests.
However, it's not something you'd typically spot in nature, making the woman's discovery all the more intriguing.
Australia's recent bouts of heavy rainfall, particularly along the east coast, have created the perfect conditions for various fungi to flourish.
From the peculiar to the picturesque, Aussies have been sharing their fungal finds, with one New South Wales resident stumbling upon a fungus that bore an uncanny resemblance to nougat and candied fruit.
As we navigate through the effects of La Niña, with meteorologists hinting at the possibility of another wet system later in the year, Australians can expect to see even more of these fungal phenomena sprouting up.
For those who feel the pull of the wild and are tempted to forage for mushrooms, a word of caution is in order.
The Food Safety Information Council has issued warnings about the dangers of picking wild mushrooms, as some can have deadly consequences.
So, members, while we marvel at the weird and wonderful aspects of Australia's environment, let's also remember to respect its complexities and potential hazards.
Have you encountered any bizarre or beautiful fungi in your garden or during your walks? Share your stories and photos with us!
This was precisely the case for one woman who encountered a rather unusual sight in her garden—something that looked like clumps of black animal fur sprouting from the ground.
Every year, as if on schedule, these strange growths emerge, leaving the homeowner scratching her head in bewilderment.
The long, thread-like strands stand upright amidst the soil, bark, and fallen leaves, creating a spectacle that's both fascinating and slightly unnerving.
This mysterious ‘fur’ grows in the woman’s garden every year. Image source: Facebook
In search of answers, the woman turned to the internet, hoping that a group of experts could shed some light on her garden's mysterious visitors.
She posted her query on the Australian and New Zealand Fungus Identification social media page, wondering if these puffballs were a type of fungi or something else entirely.
'At first, I thought it was animal fur, but pretty sure it’s alive! Would be great if anyone knew what it was!' she expressed her curiosity and slight concern.
The online community, always ready to assist with such enigmas, didn't disappoint.
An administrator of the page identified the peculiar growths as belonging to a genus of fungus known as 'Phycomyces’.
The response was delivered with a touch of humour, suggesting that the fungus thrives on organic waste.
‘That is what happens when my cat does not cover [faeces] properly,’ one commenter said.
But for a definitive answer, Professor Dr Brett Summerell, a Fungi Expert, confirmed that the backyard find was indeed a pin mould, likely a species of Phycomyces.
He explained: ‘They often grow on mushrooms as they decay, on animal droppings and in other things that are decaying in wet conditions.’
‘You can often see related species in the fridge on old fruit and veggies if you leave them in there too long.’
He reassured that while pin moulds ‘aren’t hazardous in outdoor situations’, they can occasionally cause problems indoors, such as triggering allergies.
According to Oxford Academic, the presence of Phycomyces, a filamentous fungus, is more common in humid environments and is often associated with mammalian dung in moist forests.
However, it's not something you'd typically spot in nature, making the woman's discovery all the more intriguing.
Australia's recent bouts of heavy rainfall, particularly along the east coast, have created the perfect conditions for various fungi to flourish.
From the peculiar to the picturesque, Aussies have been sharing their fungal finds, with one New South Wales resident stumbling upon a fungus that bore an uncanny resemblance to nougat and candied fruit.
As we navigate through the effects of La Niña, with meteorologists hinting at the possibility of another wet system later in the year, Australians can expect to see even more of these fungal phenomena sprouting up.
For those who feel the pull of the wild and are tempted to forage for mushrooms, a word of caution is in order.
The Food Safety Information Council has issued warnings about the dangers of picking wild mushrooms, as some can have deadly consequences.
Have you encountered any bizarre or beautiful fungi in your garden or during your walks? Share your stories and photos with us!
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