Macrophotography / Microphotography of Fungus or Fungi; 80 Macrophotographic Images of Fungus or Fungi

When we made our journey through the macrophotographic world of the lichen, I spoke of a magical kingdom padded with the existence of lichen. If lichen makes a woodland environment magical, it is the fungus, especially the mushroom that truly brings it to life.

Through the macrophotography of fungi, we will again travel into a breath-taking magical kingdom that the woodland fairies, sprites and nymphs secretly inhabit. We will take a magical journey up close and truly personal. We will find ourselves awe-struck with the beauty that lies before us. The beauty that the woodland fairy, nymph and sprite take for granted will be made visible for us mere humans to enjoy through the magic of macrophotography.

As we step deeper into the world of the fungi, we will find colors, textures and forms that we may have not known existed. We will become entranced with the beauty that we discover as macrophotography brings the fungi and its characteristics into focus allowing us to see as we have never seen before.

I have always been intrigued by the beauty of the mushroom, and how they seem to miraculously appear out of nowhere. The colors and textures that they exhibit are phenomenal. Macrophotography allows us to take our time fully dissecting the beauty caught by the eye of the photographer. So search the images that are presented to you carefully, looking for the fairy, sprite or nymph. They are elusive, but the photographer might have gotten lucky.

As we journey into the world of fungi, which also contains the mushroom, you will not see many lichen although they are also fungi. To view more macrophotographic images of lichen, visit: Macrophotography of Lichen; 67 Macrophotographic Images of Lichen.

So come and take a magical journey through the macrophotographic world of the intriguing fungi.

(Note: Clicking on most images will allow you to view a larger version of that image.)

The Dryad’s Saddle mushroom (Polyporus squamosus), also known as the pheasant’s back mushroom, has a shape and stem that simulates a saddle that can be ridden by a woodland spirit, the dryads. You may be asking yourself, what is a dryad? In Greek mythology, the dryad is a tree-dwelling nymph. These nymphs are also known as tree sprites. Look at the pictures carefully; you may actually spot the ever elusive nymph!

Although the Polypous squamosus is quite common, this mushroom is unusual in that it smells like a watermelon rind. The Dryad’s Saddle develops and thrives on the lower portions of dead and living hardwoods, especially elms. It can most often be found in Eastern North America. This fungi can be located in both the spring and the fall. The Dryad’s Saddle usually grows in the same location year after year until its food source has been totally consumed.

Many fruiting fungi have medicinal properties and many are edible. The Dryad’s Saddle is no different. The full-grown Dryad’s Saddle mushroom is very tough, leathery and bitter; however, the tender, young mushroom cap is edible.

Fungus, such as the Dryad’s Saddle has been used to craft art paper by making very thin slices. Much the same way that cellulose fibers can be utilized to create standard paper, these fungi can be used.

Through the macrophotography of fungi, we have traveled into an amazing and magical world of splendor and wonder. We have viewed fungi from a whole different perspective - one of endless beauty. As we walk through the woods, we may overlook the smaller fungi, and be truly amazed by the larger fungi. However, through the use of macrophotography and the skill of the photographer, we were able to enter into the wondrous places that the fairies, sprites and nymphs have been said to inhabit. As we journeyed into the amazing world of the fungi, we found a truly amazing world we had only previously dreamed of.

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Copyright © 2011 Cindy Murdoch (homesteadbound)

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If you would like to join me on another macrophotographic journey, look at the following travel destinations:

• What is Macrophotography? 33 Macrophotographic Images
• Macrophotography of Flowers; 52 Macrophotographic Images of Flowers
• Macrophotography of Insects; 48 Macrophotographic Images of Insects
• Macrophotography of Butterflies, Moths and Caterpillars; 44 Macrophotographic Images
• Macrophotography of Spiders; 34 Macrophotographic Images plus Videos of Spiders
• Macrophotography of Dragonflies; 50 Macrophotographic Images of Dragonflies plus Videos
• Macrophotography of Flying Insects; 64 Macrophotographic Images of Flying Insects
• Macrophotography of Lichen; 67 Macrophotographic Images of Lichen