Nidula niveotomentosa - Woolly Bird's Nest Fungus
Last Modified: 20-8-2021 15:55
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Nidula niveotomentosa is a small cup shaped fungus, commonly known as Woolly Bird's Nest Fungus found natively in New Zealand. Although naturally occuring in New Zealand, N. niveotomentosa are widely distributed, found in temperate regions worldwide including Japan, Australia, and the US Pacific coast. Like all birds nest fungi, N. niveotomentosa has a unique method of spore dispersal. The cups, approximately 4-6mm in diameter initially form with a cover which breaks down to expose the contents as the fruiting body matures. The small, egg like structures about 1-1.5mm in diameter known as peridioles each contain millions of spores, and are dispersed by raindrops. N. niveotomentosa grows on decaying wood, and other organic matter. N. niveotomentosa can be distinguished from other birds nest fungi by the white woolly exterior of the cups, and the brown peridioles.
This example was observed in Mount Richmond Forest Park growing on decaying wood on the ground in an area of open kānuka forest.
Image Date: 15/7/2021
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.640987 Longitude: 173.216187