www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

It is with apologies that I post this item,but I thought it would brighten up the day now that the Red Admirals and Peacocks that we see here are coming to an end.Also,having met Seth this week on a fungal foray,others might be interested.
This is about the Starfish fungus,Aseroe rubra.It is only found in the Southern hemisphere,apart from one place in Spain,and on a wooded common near me in Surrey.It is the rarest fungus in Britain.So,amongst the brambles,leaves and dog's mess,I suddenly saw this beauty.First one and then eventually five,each about 4 inches across.
The moral of this tale is look down on the ground as well,you never know what you might find.
P.J.U.

That's quite a sight, PJ!

How has it become established on just one site in the UK?

Great stuff, PJ!

Did you know that was the only British site before you found them or was this a completely chance encounter? Either way, it's fantastic!

Guy

David,
Being a Stinkhorn it relies on flies to come to the mess it produces and then to distribute the spores.However,its timeclock is still that of the Southern hemisphere so it comes out too late in the Autumn for the flies.Therefore it can only spread in a small area in this location and as far as one knows has not gone outside this common.No-one knows how it first came,perhaps on the feet of birds or insects.
The more one looks into the details the more fascinating it becomes!
P.J.U.

Guy,
Yes,I was told all about it by a near neighbour of mine who is a brilliant help
P.J.U.

That is amazing, I have never seen anything like that before It reminds of something from 'Day Of The Triffids'

Wow - That is a fantastic-looking fungi - what a cracker!

Trev

It's fabulous. I was very impressed when I saw it on Seth's Facebook page a month or so ago.

Susie,
Clicking on your link I expected to go to Seth's facebook page.But it really brightened up the day-nothing of the like has been heard before on the butterfly website-or has it? Even Guy might raise a smile!
Philip

I didn't realise the link was in my signature line again. The forum reset must have put it back. Glad it brightened your day.

My curiosity is piqued but the link's gone ...

Guy

Sorry, Guy, it was just a music video. I have another one there now for all the Hobbit fans