Birds Nest Fungi

As you have probably guessed, these fungi look like birds nests, with eggs inside. Like a lot of the fungi, they have an amazing and unique way of reproducing. The little nests pop open, to reveal flattened spores. When raindrops fall into the nest the little spores are splashed out What is even more fascinating is that each spore is attached to the inside of the nest by a long thread, with a sticky end. As the spore flies out of the nest, the thread uncurls, and is stretched. Eventually, the thread breaks away from the nest completely. Then it swings around whatever leaf, twig or grass happens to get in its way, and sticks to it. In this way, the spore is firmly attached, and can safely start to grow into a new Birds Nest Fungus.