[Arid_gardener] Read and learn: WHITE GLOBULAR GROWTH

[Dick]

Thank you, Athol, for the clarification. I have forwarded the information to the Master Gardener list that we may all learn of the possible consequences of composting these fungi.   Dick Gross, MGV MCCE

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---- Original Message ----- 
From: "Athol Cline" <athol515 at earthlink.net>
To: "Dick" <rkgross3 at cox.net>
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 4:22 PM
Subject: RE: [Arid_gardener] Re: white globular fungus growing 


Dick is correct about these fungi.  There are hundreds growing in aschool
yard in front of my house in Tucson; some as big as 10" across. As they
mature they become flater as the edges turn upward, and reveal the tpical
"gill" structures underneath.  When fullymature they will turn dark brown. 
 
However, I wouldn't recommend composting these organisms.   They may
continue to mature and then sporulate.  Composting temperatures will never
get hot enough to kill the spores.  Later when you use the compost it will
innoculate your garden and flower beds with literally billions of the same
organisms.  
 
Athol Cline, Gardeners of America, Tucson
athol515 at earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.


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[Original Reply]
From: Dick <rkgross3 at cox.net>
Hi, Clarisa.  I have seen similar growths in the veggie garden at the Cooperative Extension but, to the best of my recollection, aside from being downright ugly, these did no harm. It is a common fungus--or mold? that usually grows on soil with a high content of damp compost or manure in a damp, humid environment. I've just lifted the mass and tossed it in the compost pile. To the best of my knowledge it won't consume humans, but then,  I never got any of it on me, either. Kidding, of course.
Dick Gross, MGV UofA MCCE


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Original query
I scooped up a white globular fungus that was growing where (on the ground)
I planted a rose bush this spring.  It overran the rose bush and is  several
pounds heavy.  Sound familiar to anyone?

I put it in a bucket .... if anyone in the valley would like to try their hand at identifying it, I would love to know what the heck it is. It didn't look shiny on the skin, but then again, we have had a lot of dust and storms to possibly dull the heck out of it. I cannot tell if it was suppose to have a shelf-like growth to it.  Since I do have a lot of animals, it was best to remove it.  I don't need any dogs around here thinking they are chasing rabbits down holes while chewing on an unknown.

Any help in identifying this mass would be great!
Clarissa Cosgrove
602-978-6838
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