There were multiple of these growing on the bark of a… beech tree, I believe. In the Netherlands.

Here is another shot showing more members of the group:

At the time I thought it was some type of lichen, but now I think I might be either an Hypoxylon or an Annulohypoxylon from searching for similar images.

  • slightperil@lemm.ee
    2·
    1 year ago

    I think you are probably right, whatever the specific species it’s a death sentence for the tree sadly.

    • Salamander@mander.xyzOPM
      2·
      1 year ago

      Ooh, I wasn’t aware of this, but you are right! From what I can find, the fungi belonging to this class tend to live in the tree passively and only transform into this form once the tree is weak and dying !