Iced Bun Fungus

Bolete Mould, Hypomeces chrysospermus.  Cross-section of infected Boletus.  Hayes Common, 25 December 2011.

Here's a fungus I found on Christmas day, while walking in the woods, enjoying the sunshine.

Boletes are a well-known type of edible fungus. Particularly well-known is Boletus edulis, known to gourmets as the cep in France, porcini in Italy, and in England, the Penny Bun, for its round, brown, bread-crust-like cap. But this specimen looked more like an iced bun. That appearance is caused by the Bolete Mould, which does its best to eat the delicious cep before we can get at it.

I saw half a dozen of these around the wood, making it look as though the usual plain buns had been decorated for the holiday. In fact, the bottom photo is of another specimen I saw the next day.

Bolete Mould, Hypomeces chrysospermus.  Top view.  Hayes Common, 25 December 2011.

Bolete Mould, Hypomeces chrysospermus. Stem and gills. Hayes Common, 26 December 2011.