The Geek in Question
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Animal, vegetable or mineral?
Posted by on August 1, 2010
Seriously, I have no clue what I’m looking at here, so help me out.
A big one
These structures were on the beach next to the river (I seem to find all the coolest stuff down there). They ranged in size from about 5mm across to maybe 20mm. Sometimes they would be arranged in small cluster of 3-6. The outer layer seemed to be sand, and the inner layer was completely smooth and a greyish off-white. The whole thing, when handled and broken apart, had a thickness and consistency that reminded me of one of those Kinder Egg candies.
A small one
I’m guessing fungal fruiting bodies.
I think that’s a good guess.
I agree with Ted. It looks like one of the cup fungi. I’ve seen Pyxie Cup, Geopyxix carbonaria, and it closely resembles what you found.
Now that I have googled, I’m inclined to agree with you…there are some that live on sand, partially submerged, like mine…
my first thought was some sort of barnacle… you said they were on the beach – do they get wet? I had thought tides, but it’s a river…
It’s freshwater, so I don’t think barnacle. I think Steve and Ted are on to something…
Is there a local fungus person (funguy, get it?) who can offer an opinion?
Not that I know of, not professionally anyways…but there is a wildlife officer who knows the land and flora/fauna pretty well…I’ll ask him next time I see him.
Hey, TGIQ. Are you still alive? Just wondering since I haven’t seen any new posts from you in a while.
*waves*
Hi!
(I think I’m back! 🙂 Thanks for noticing 🙂
Looks like a puffball thats blown its lid.