Skip to main content
Close

Ghost Fungus

Omphalotus nidiformis

Photo by Neil Ross
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-28.0377, 152.389

Field Notes

Description:

I'm pretty certain this is Ghost Fungus clustered at the base of a tree trunk. Agaric with large caps up to approx. 15 cms in diameter, and white in appearance. Largest specimens were distinctly "funnel" shaped. Caps also translucent when viewed from below, and the gills are white with a very faint yellowish hue. Gills run down the length of the stipe and taper in thickness towards the base. This was the only mushroom cluster I found along the entire length of the track. If these specimens are Ghost Fungus, they are bioluminescent, and also toxic. The other potential ID for this spotting Pleurotus ostreatus.

Habitat:

Subtropical rainforest section of the Bare Rock Track, near Mt. Cordeaux in Main Range National Park. Very cool, damp, and well-shaded area on top of the escarpment. Often misty and drizzling rain. Native vegetation. This national park is World Heritage listed, and forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/gondwana

Notes:

I met another hiker on the track, and he was also a keen fungi spotter and photographer. It was also his opinion that these specimens were Ghost Fungus. In fact, he was adamant.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)

Thanks, maplemoth662. This was a lovely big patch of fresh specimens. Cool rainforest too which added to their beauty.

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon