Searching for Saprophytes

[MonikaC]

Found a few. Some were pretty dried up, others standing tall & proud. Where I found them a few days ago, they were very nice, but I didn't go back today as the sawyers had been at work and it was far from peaceful. The most impressive ones I've seen were in Montana: probably 18" tall, if not more. Most of the ones I find in Colorado are well under 1'. Most are pretty brown, though these were orange. They almost look like little dried gourds.

 

[Ben Egbert]

I have never seen these before, but this is a neat image.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Nicely isolated. Don’t believe I have seen them either.

 

[MonikaC]

I have never seen these before, but this is a neat image.

Nicely isolated. Don’t believe I have seen them either.

They live on decaying organic matter. I usually see them in stands of pines.

 

[AlanLichty]

I didn't know they got as big as what you are describing. I always thought of saprophytes as small and fungi-like.

 

[JimFox]

I have never paid attention to these before. A nice capture Monika, I will need to keep my eyes open.

 

[MonikaC]

I didn't know they got as big as what you are describing. I always thought of saprophytes as small and fungi-like.

These are pine drops Pterospora andromedea. The big ones in Montana were at Flathead Lake (but they're probably under houses or condos now -- but then, maybe not) When I complimented a local on the size of the Pinedrops, she was very pleased & said ,"yes, we're very proud of them". Apparently, they're threatened in Michigan & endangered in NY, Vermont & Wisconsin.

 

[MonikaC]

I have never paid attention to these before. A nice capture Monika, I will need to keep my eyes open.

Not something you'll see in the night sky! Though it is an andromedea.....