Neonothopanus

Mushrooms are one many wonders nature. We usually see mushrooms growing in the field, forest or wet soil. However, many may not have noticed that mushrooms can also grow on wood. Recently, I took pictures of some mushrooms growing on wood. While doing this photography, a new perspective on nature was created. In today's blog, I will share that experience and some information in simple language.

Mushrooms are actually a type fungus (Fungi). They cannot make their own food like plants animals. They survive by collecting nutrients from their surroundings. Mushrooms growing on wood are called wood-rot fungi. They grow very easily on dead or half-dead tree trunks, old wood kept in a wet environment. Mushrooms collect nutrients by breaking down the cellulose and lignin inside the wood. This helps in the process of wood decomposition in nature.

The mushrooms seen in my pictures are quite beautiful to look at. The wavy edges, light brown color, and clusters of leaves create a striking appearance. These mushrooms are usually found growing in broad clusters on hardwoods. Their caps are thin have fine folds on underside.

While photographing mushrooms, I noticed that combination wood and mushrooms creates a kind of contrast. When light-colored mushrooms grow in clusters on gray-brown background of old wood, the natural texture comes out in picture. Also, mushrooms growing on wood are stationary, so it is easy focus up close. This is an ideal subject for those who are new nature photography.

Many people think mushrooms only food. But mushrooms play a huge role in the balance nature. Mushrooms growing on wood slowly break down dead trees and return them to the soil. As a result, new organic fertilizer is created in the soil. It can be said that mushrooms are nature's cleaners. Without them, dead tree trunks might have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

There is a point of caution here. Not all mushrooms are edible. Many species growing on wood can be poisonous. So it is best to just take pictures or observe. You should never try eat unfamiliar mushrooms.Because sometimes poisonous mushrooms look edible mushrooms.

For me, it was a unique experience. While taking pictures mushrooms growing on wood, I experienced the subtle beauty onature up close. It is truly amazing how an ordinary wooden stump can be the birthplace new life. The folds, color shades, shapes and arrangement clusters mushrooms are captured by camera lens like a work art.

Mushrooms growing on wood teach us—nothing is useless in nature. Old wood, dead trees a humid environment—everything comes together give birth new life. Mushrooms are not only a part of beauty, but also a part the balance environment. So whenever you see such mushrooms, take a moment observe and take pictures. Maybe you too will discover a new work art nature.

Device	Name
Android	oppo A95
Camera	4.71 Mm, f/1.0, (iso100)

Photography:
Location| Malaysia 🇲🇾🇲🇾🇲🇾
Short by |@aburihan

Link to original community|

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/313334742
Latitude Longitude Map|
https://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=3.125902&mlon=101.504848#map=12/3.1259/101.5048