Lycoperdon perlatum

IMG_3188 [Lycoperdon perlatum]

Lycoperdon perlatum is a widespread mushroom species

found in almost any country of the world.

It grows solitarily or in groups throughout the year

in habitats like woods, grassy areas, gardens, or along road sides.

 

When the mushroom reaches maturity,

its cap can reach 70mm in diameter

and gets a pear-like shape with a flattened top

where it develops a hole which opens, and under certain conditions,

it lets mature, brown, powdery spores escape to perpetuate the species.

 See demonstration below.

 

 

IMG-3182 [Lycoperdon perlatum]
 

Photo and video from Mt. Hymittos.

Feb. 4, 2024

 

Ophrys fusca

IMG_3206 [Ophrys fusca]

 

While I was strolling on Mt Hymittos for some fresh air in the middle of the winter,

I had an ‘unexpected encounter’ with this Ophrys.

Not having my camera with me,

I took this picture with my mobile phone.

 

It is a widespread Ophrys in Greece

that blooms from February to April on heights of up to 1100m.

 

This encounter may be symbolic.

It may be signifying the onset of the new Ophrys hunting period

for some flora photographers!

 

Mt. Hymittos, Feb. 04, 2024

Ophioglossum lusitanicum

803_5950 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]

 

Ophioglossum lusitanicum is a rare, winter, annual fern

growing in most Mediterranean countries

and elsewhere throughout the world.

 

In Greece, it can be found in NE, in Central Mainland, in Peloponnese and in the Aegean islands

on heights from 50 to 800m.

 

It is very low, usually about 4cm, and difficult to spot.

 

803_5967 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]

The plant’s sporangia, about 2cm long, attached on their respective stalks.

 

Their shape looks like a snake’s tongue;

a fact that justifies the plant’s name ‘Ophioglossum’

which comes from the Greek words όφις + γλώσσα [= snake + tongue].

 

The pictures were taken in Lavrio area on Feb 4, 2020.

 

803_5967 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]

Focus on details of the plant’s sporangia

 

 

DSCN3623 [Ophioglossum lusitanicum]

 

Two friends are waiting for their turn to take a picture of Ophioglossum.

The third one had spotted the plant first, so she is rightfully taking the picture first!

Her body position on the ground indicates

the difficulty of compositing the picture of a tiny plant on the ground.