Gymnopilus ferruginosus

The overcast sky after the previous night’s rain made the garden feel fresh, with the scent of wet earth and leaves wafting through the air. On my way, my attention was drawn to a rotting log, covered in moss in parts.

As I approached, I saw a cluster of orange-brown mushrooms growing beautifully on the surface of the wood. From its shape and color, I recognized this mushroom as Gymnopilus ferruginosus. Its bright color stood out against the dark green background of the leaves and the trunk. The mushrooms grew densely, like a small community protecting each other in their habitat.

I crouched down to take a closer look, observing the details of the mushroom caps, which were smooth but slightly fibrous. The stems looked slender, supporting the small, sturdy caps even though the wood they grew on was starting to become brittle. I wondered how these mushroom spores would spread, find a perfect home on this rotting wood, and thrive after the rain provided enough moisture.