It’s no secret that I have had a life long obsession with fungi.  I dig mold, lichen and Mushrooms! I am completely fascinated on all levels. So I was so excited when I found this Bird Nest Mushroom in Oklahoma last spring. I have always wanted to find this kind but they are so tiny! They are only about 1/4 inch in diameter.

We were out walking with the neighbor’s dog when she lead us down the street to a neighbor’s pond. I was looking for mushrooms but not that kind. It was fate, I dropped something and when I picked it up I noticed the Birds Nest Fungi right next to it! I took some home and experimented. I watered it everyday and it actually grew! It was fun!

The little “nests” or fruiting body holds the little “eggs” which are spore filled.  The nests are called “peridia” (“peridium” in the singular), they work like splash cups, raindrops fall into the nest, then the eggs (called “periodoles”) are thrown into the air, where they latch onto twigs, branches, leaves, and then continue to grow.