Walking in Halswell Quarry Park in Christchurch, New Zealand, we found these geometric objects by the path (pictured). They look human-made, but are apparently natural. Can anyone identify them?
鈥� This is the reproductive structure, or fruiting body, of the iconic New Zealand fungus Ileodictyon cibarium, the basket fungus; it also has several Maori names, including te matakupenga. It was scientifically named in 1844 by 茅tienne Raoul, a surgeon on the ship L鈥橝ube, based at the French colony of Akaroa on South Island.
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The fungus grows below ground on decaying plant material including wood mulch. To reproduce, it forms egg-like structures at the surface. At maturity, they rupture and then the compressed, convoluted fruiting body expands into a hollow, net-like structure.
Its polyhedral form has been compared to the geodesic domes that were popularised by the designer Richard Buckminster Fuller. These in turn inspired the name buckyballs or buckminsterfullerenes for carbon molecules such as C60. In New Zealand, the basket fungus also inspired a children鈥檚 climbing frame that once stood in Hagley Park, Christchurch.
Sometimes people notice the fetid smell of the fungus before they see the fruiting body. Its inner parts are coated with a greenish slime that emits a smell resembling rotten meat. This attracts flies that feed on and so disperse the spores contained in the slime.
The basket fungus is most often seen in autumn, especially in mulched garden beds, and it features frequently in photos submitted by the public to New Zealand鈥檚 NatureWatch website ().
Peter Buchanan and Jerry Cooper, Mycologists, Fungarium PDD, Manaaki Whenua 鈥� Landcare Research, New Zealand
鈥� This is what is known as a basket fungus. It is found in New Zealand and Australia, but specimens have found their way into Europe as well.
Fungi are made up of a network of filaments hidden in the ground. These mycelia often get nourishment from the roots of trees and other plants, either parasitically or symbiotically. The filaments can extend for great distances 鈥� kilometres in the case of the honey fungus.
鈥淭he solid, ovoid fruiting body is said to be edible early on, although it is not very tasty鈥�
The fruiting body pictured first develops within a solid, ovoid shape. This is known as a volva, and it is said to be edible early on, although not very tasty. Once the outer envelope bursts, the cages that are crumpled within spring into shape and roll free.
When the basket forms, the inner surface transforms into viscous, putrid-smelling slime. This attracts carrion flies that act as vectors for the fungal spores produced on the inside.
Terence Hollingworth, Blagnac, France
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