Help identifying tree fungus

Freddy Fox · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 01:23 PM

I saw this fungus growing on a birch tree in the forest on the west shore of Loch Etive in Argyll in mid-December. I've had a look through quite a few guidebooks but nothing seems anything like it as the growth consists of fine hairs; a bit like Santa's beard!

If anyone has any suggestions what it might be I would be very grateful to hear them.

Thanks

mollisia · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 01:57 PM

Hello,

this is no fungus, it is a phenomen of freezing water, that is pressed out of the pores of dead wood by the enzymatic activity of fungi. It only occures in certain micrometerologic circumstances (high humidity, temperature little below freezing point).

Look here:
Haareis ? Wikipedia

best regards,
Andreas

Freddy Fox · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 03:37 PM

Hi Andreas

Thanks for the quick and comprehensive response. No wonder I couldn't find it in a field guide! I could have sworn it was alive, but it was 'growing' a little out of reach.

Nature never ceases to amaze. There's almost nothing about haareis on the web in English, so I doubt I'd ever have found out what it was on my own.

Thanks again

Freddy