Coral fungi build tiny forests of branches on fallen wood — ChillScroll

Cream and gold coral fungi branching across a moss-covered fallen log

Coral fungi build tiny forests of branches on fallen wood

Many coral fungi grow as clusters of upright, forked branches. Some species feed on decaying logs, breaking down tough wood and returning its nutrients to the soil.

A fallen tree can grow a small golden reef of its own.

Source · U.S. National Park Service ↗