Micro finds

From the fabulous world of fungi - a great distraction on a miserably wet day.

Top is the apparently common Ascocoryne sarcoides (Purple Jellydisc). I say apparently as I never seem to find it. It grows where there are fallen or dead broadleaved trees, especially beech. It's a natural antibiotic, but I think I prefer the pharmacy! 

Left bottom is Calocera cornea, Small Staghorn. This can be confused with many of the coral fungi, but it always grows on rotting wood, not from soil and unlike its larger cousin Calocera viscose it seldom has branched or forked stems. 

Last is Xylaria hypoxylon, Candlesnuff. Often the last fungi to feed from dying wood it's very common, but very very easy to overlook. There's a clue (as there always is) in it's Latin name, both Xylaria and xylon are derived from wood, with hypo adding beneath or under. Technically this is a bioluminescent fungi, but sadly that is not really visible to the naked eye.