Unknown Tiny Mushrooms

     It's April, the day after some rain, and in one of my freshly composted garden beds these fruits pop up.

     In order to begin identifying these mushrooms I'll need a knowledgeable source. I'm refrencing Common Florida Mushrooms by James Kimbrough, researcher and professor at the Mycology Department in the University of Florida. 

    With his book, I've narrowed it down to three possible species: Coprinus Floridanus Murr., C. disseminatus, and Panaeolus retirugis Fr.

These caps were between 3-5 cm on diameter which fits the description for all three possible species. Both floridanus and C. disseminatus prefer to grow on decaying wood, P. retirugis prefers "dung or heavily manured soil". Either of these mediums fits the description. These mushrooms came up in a heavily manured garden bed, right up against wood that was salvaged from behind a shed where it had spent several  years in contact with fungi and decay. 

For further identification I should try and get a spore print to determine spore color, and if seen under a microscope, spore shape. Unfortunately, when I went back out to grab a cap, they had already shriveled up and the caps turned inside out.

Pterocaulon pycnostachyum (Blackroot) common in the Treasure Coast

Common names include foxtail blackroot, dense spike blackroot, and coastal blackroot. Foliage has a velvety feel with leaves becoming narrow as the plant enters the flowering phase. 

The blackroot's flowers grow dense on the flower stalk and when dried and ready for distribution, become fuzzy and fluff like to be carried by the wind.

I've observed the perennial plant at various stages of life from seedlings to dried flower heads in the same relative location at the same time of the year. Usually flowering from the spring to fall.

Cite:

Wikipedia

Does anyone know this tree?

I'm looking for a name on this tree. These blooms are stunning! Each red strand is a filament, the light colored bases each a flower. There's a subtle flowery scent and the look of some exotic giant caterpillar. Now if I could just figure out, who are you?

Blooming Palms

Here on the Treasure Coast, we experience warm weather and long days for a large part of the year. This gives plants like palms a chance for ideal growing conditions; enough so for the plant to "feel" conditions are right to bloom. 

Whenever I see a palm reach out with its inflorescence (flowering structure) I find it to be a moment worth seizing.

Grasses on the Vero Beach Dunes

Here I document two types of grasses growing on a dune on the shore in Vero Beach.
It's spring and the grasses on the left are nearing the end of dropping their seeds. They have a large and solid appearance, extending outward towards the edges of the dune they have established. The grass on the right seems to be in vegetative growth and its appearance isn't as nice as the other larger grass. This grass on the right looks mangled and dry, but then again it takes a tough plant to take all that sunlight, wind, and salt.

Sea Grape

   
  Sea Grapes are a sweetheart of Florida. They thrive in harsh conditions where salt content is high, such as along coasts. There they build up dunes and protect from erosion while simultaneously providing habitat for a plethora of species.
  
   Because they are native here and provide such a symbiosis, Florida has regulations regarding sea grapes located seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line. There is to be no trampling, crushing, breaking, digging or excessive cutting of this important plant.
     
   Can't wait till these darlings are fruiting later on in the summer, sea grapes are edible!

Fuzzy Grasses

This grass may be common in the area but that didn't stop my excitement at finding it. It was unusual to me with its almost succulent blades covered in light short fuzz. Seeing that the grass was doing something resembling flowering, my next step was to look for any seeds available so I may try and cultivate it. To my disappointment, I could find no seeds but that only leads me to more questions. What phase of life was this plant in? Where do the seeds show up when its ready? Does it propagate by budding? 

Regardless of me wishing I could take a part of this plant and grow it myself, I will still enjoy fuzzy appearance.

Bracket Mushrooms In The Wild

     This lovely mass of growing (and fruiting) fungi was found on large fallen over tree trunk well over a year ago. A recent visit to the site pleasantly surprised me with a larger coverage by the fungi than when I first discovered it. Looks like the mycelia has been busy.

I was grateful to find fruits at different stages of growth. Here we see a young fruit forming.

And below, a fruit that looks to have been hanging on for quite some time

But what I love to observe most is the wonderfully organic forms these fruits take on.

Wild Grass in Bloom

On the hike trails near home, these wild grasses thrive. It's spring and they have decided to bloom. Their lovely feathery blooms entice me to take a few seeds and blow them to the wind. How very human, finding a pleasing organism and getting in the way of its natural selection. Finding it pleasing results in the human spreading the seed in hopes the plant will go on for another season and delight the senses in the future.

Day At The Beach In Vero Beach

    The ocean is finally warming up which means I will be in it.

Common Ditch Weed

April Flowers

I may not know your name, but I know it's April and you've decided to bloom. I know the look of your flowers and that your seeds want to be taken away with the wind.

I wonder if the pink color comes from the soil's PH. But now I wonder...what's your name?

Weeds Are Flowers Too

Often thought of as a nuisance in the garden, the wild weed makes its presence known.