What is it?

BIRD’S NEST FUNGUS

here are, according to mycologist Merlin Sheldrake, something like 2.2–3.8 million fungi species on Earth. That’s between 6 and 10 times the number of known plant species. Among all that fungal fabulousness, the bird’s nest fungi are among the most extraordinary, at least in appearance. Found worldwide, their dainty fruiting bodies have often been compared to minuscule avian nests, but perhaps look more like luxury chocolates in fluted wrappers. The ‘eggs’ or ‘coins’ clustered in the outer structure are known as peridioles, and contain the spores. These, in most cases, disperse as rain splashes on them.