Hemitomes congestum

These are the fruiting bodies of Hemitomes congestum, the Gnome Plant. Found near the coast north of SF. It is one of the rarest of monotropoids, plants that are parasitic on fungus, like Allotropa virgata.

Fruiting Gnome Plant

Here is a flowering one... with a slug.

Flowering Gnome Plant

Mushrooms in August?

August is usually not the month you look for mushrooms, but it has been a cool summer in the SF bay area, and there are a few spots that get constant fog. If the conditions are just right, there are some fruitings, and if you are faster than the hungry slugs you might find yourself a meal ( or a stomach ache ).

Amanita muscaria ( Do not eat! ), Sibley, 8/22/10

Boletus edulis, Sibley, 8/22/10

I think we may have another great year for mushrooms!