Some plants can't buy a break. Take the rudely named Fuligo Septica, AKA "Dog Vomit." Is it really that ugly?
The Backyard Science group regularly publishes The Daily Bucket, which features observations of the world around us. What's in your backyard? Funny insects, unusual birds, pretty flowers, healthy vegetables, or shy snakes?Any of these and much more are worthy additions to the Bucket and its comments. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment, and provide a picture if you can. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to as we try to understand the patterns that are unwinding around us.
I can set my calendar by Fuligo's appearance. I Bucketed about it showing up almost exactly one year ago, on October 21, 2014.
It's a slime mold, active in hot humid weather, that consumes the bacteria, yeasts, and fungi from dead wood or mulch, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
My Fuligo defies the Missouri DOC, however, by growing on top of the polymer sand between paving stones rather than on mulch, and not showing up until October.
Wiki claims that Fuligo can tolerate high concentrations of toxic metals by producing a
pigment that converts (chelates) metals into inactive forms. Fuligo extracts can weaken cancer cells.
Scandavian folklore claims it is the vomit of troll kitties.
I used to mark autumn, when the clouds of ducks darkened the Nebraska skies. Now
one way I mark Autumn is seeing Fuligo reappear annually, as the great cycle of life completes another turn.
Dog Vomit? How about a handful of pearls, dotted with ruby drops; left by a Northwest wee person, must be found before sunrise--
Now It's Your Turn What's interesting to you? Please post your own observations and your general location in the comments. I'll respond after lunchtime because I work tomorrow morning.
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" will be posted every Saturday at 1pm and Wednesday at 3:30 pm Pacific Time on the Daily Kos front page. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.