The violet pouch fungus (Cortinarius porphyroideus) is a truffle-like fungus found in the leaf litter of beech forests. Its spore-producing tissue is enclosed within its purple cap. Spores are released when the cap begins to disintegrate, or when insects and other small animals eat the tissue within the cap.
Always a delight to spot colourful waxcaps and even better to capture underside shots. Where possible, I prefer not to pick them and use my Pentax point and shoot, pressed down into the substrate, but sometimes this is not possible.
I found this little fella (as well as a number of his friends) outside. It's cold and wet, so I brought them in where they can get warm and dry out. Remember folks, if you're cold they're cold.
PieFed
Nimo
Machinist
Schmoo
quinacridone
anon6789
nocturne
remotelove
