Flora and Fauna – fungus

November is a great month to look in the woodlands of New Mills for the tiny but rather beautiful Candlesnuff (or Candlestick) fungus. Dark at the bottom and white on top, it supposedly looks like a snuffed candle. It grows on decaying tree stumps and glows in the dark – though unfortunately at levels too low for human eyes.

To begin with it forms small candle like forms, then as it grows it develops branch like structures- it’s also sometimes known as ‘Stag’s horn’ because of this shape. Although it’s only small, it does apparently include compounds that can be used to fight some viruses and tumours. These pictures were taken along the Sett Valley trail – but it’s pretty common if you look out for it!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top