Saprobic


Here is another saprobic mushroom, or mushroom that creates its energy by decomposing nonliving organic matter. That nonliving organic matter is also known as detritus. This is a fungus known as Hairy Rubber Cup (Galiella rufa).

Hairy Rubber Cup is found throughout eastern North America. But you’ve got to look carefully. It blends quite easily in leaf litter. Found on wood debris and fallen branches of deciduous trees, sometimes in clusters.

Its size is .75 to 1.25 inch across and .25 to .375 inch thick. Its outer surface is deep dark brown with dense hairs.

I love to find mushrooms, but just to photograph them.