Pixies Parasols – Another Perspective
Shan Karunathilake (Ryan Shan)
Category: Utilises Macrophotography
Most of the mass of these beautiful mushrooms (Mycene interrupta) lives out of sight inside the wood, breaking it down for food in a way that eventually releases its nutrients back into the ecosystem.
The fruiting bodies that we see here emerge first as little tiny blue balls, maturing with a white stripe around 1 to 2 cm long and 10 to 20 mm thick. They are fragile enough that they can be toppled by a moderate breeze.
If you look closely, you’ll see that the base of the stipe is attached to the wood host by a flat white disc with sometimes blue margins.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites amateur and professional photographers to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize is sponsored by Pennicott Foundation — thank you crew! It would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers, as well as the wonderful Tasmanian businesses who donate prizes.
