Netizen Asks The Internet To Identify Large Fungus Spotted In Woodlands
Singapore may be a small island, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to come across a variety of peculiar organisms when we explore the great outdoors.
One person was in an HSB estate in Woodlands when she stumbled upon a large, pinkish fungus that resembled an alien species.
Source: Reddit
However, many possibly hungry netizens said it looked like a pizza.
Woodlands fungus take form of large discs
In a Reddit post on Friday, a netizen shared photos of the fungus, which took the form of at least two large discs poking out through the foliage.
Source: Reddit
The surfaces of the discs, which are ostensibly the caps, seemed to bear many protrusions that looked like pieces of ham or salami.
Curious, the OP asked netizens to help identify the strange-looking organism.
Netizens think Woodlands fungus looks like pizza
Of course, many netizens didn’t take this seriously. Many thought that the fungus looked like pizza.
Source: Reddit
One even joked that it could be Pizza Hut’s new Korean Army Stew Pizza.
Source: Reddit
In keeping with the food theme, one netizen asked in true Singaporean fashion whether it was edible.
Source: Reddit
Others indicated that the fungus made them think of “The Last Of Us”, a PlayStation game and associated HBO series.
For the uninitiated, it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world that is suffering from a pandemic caused by a mass fungal infection that causes its host to transform into zombie-like creatures.
Source: Reddit
Other netizens offer possible answers
Some netizens took the assignment seriously, though, and offered up some possible answers.
For example, one was of the opinion that the fungus was Laetiporus sulphureus “chicken of the woods”, which is a species of fungi that grows on trees.
Source: Reddit
However, it’s native to North America and Europe and doesn’t seem to be quite as big as the Woodlands fungus.
Source: Shroomer.com
Another commenter said it could be “turkey’s tail” or Trametes versicolor, but conceded that he could be wrong.
Source: Reddit
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, turkey’s tail, which is considered a medicinal mushroom, grows on stumps and logs of trees but has cap widths of just 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm).
Lastly, the most comprehensive answer was given by a netizen who said the fungus appears to belong to the Ganoderma species that’s quite common in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Source: Reddit
According to MDPI’s Journal of Fungi, Ganoderma species are characterised by “double-walled basidiospores that are large, perennial and woody brackets”.
Source: MDPI
They can also pose a threat to Singapore’s urban trees.
What do you think the fungus is? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: S’pore Reservoir Invaded By Alien-Like Eggs, Netizens Say They Look Like Mentaiko
S’pore Reservoir Invaded By Alien-Like Eggs, Netizens Say They Look Like Mentaiko
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Featured image adapted from Reddit.
