Not found in the ocean

The object of interest in this photo looks remarkably similar to white stag-horn coral that grows in the ocean, but it is not found in the ocean.

Shown here is a common fungus known as coral fungus that I found growing in the woods on a rotting piece of log. It looked like it was about 4 or 5 inches tall, and was very conspicuous with the sun shining on it. Up close, it had an unpleasant smell.

I did not disturb this interesting representative of southeast Missouri's large family of mushrooms. I did return to the spot about 10 days later to find it had wilted and turned brown. Nearby, on the same log, a new coral fungus was growing.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo. Find more of Horrell's work at the Painted Wren Gallery in downtown Cape Girardeau.