bird's nest fungus

English

Nidularia deformis

Alternative forms

• bird's-nest fungus

Noun

bird's nest fungus (plural bird's nest fungi)

1. Any of the fungi of the family Nidulariaceae, or of the former order Nidulariales.
   • 2003, William C. Roody, Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians‎^[1], page 457:

     The Bird's nest fungi are related to puffballs.

   • 2008, Donald W. Linzey, A Natural History Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park‎^[2], page 78:

     The bird's-nest fungus resembles a miniature bird's nest complete with “eggs.” The eggs (periodioles) are actually spore packages, which rupture to release the reproductive cells.

   • 2010, Bill Russell, Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic‎^[3], page 107:

     The egg dispersal mechanics of the bird's nest fungus are as amazing as its appearance.

   • 2010, Michael Kuo, Andy Methven, 32: Cyathus striatus (Hudson) Willdenow: 100 Cool Mushrooms, page 65:

     Bird's nest fungi are funky and fascinating; they look for all the world like tiny bird nests.

Further reading

• Nidulariaceae on Wikipedia.Wikipedia