Pyronema omphalodes
Pyronema omphalodes is a wonderful and extraordinary fungus that requires fire to stimulate its growth and fruiting. It appears as small, lumpy, orange masses that form extensive carpets that contrast against the blackened ground in post-fire habitats. Fruiting is restricted to micro sites where the fire is hottest, for example along the ash beds of logs. It appears quite soon after fire (within a week or two) and is usually followed by a succession of other fire-dependant fungi.
Pyronema omphalodes is related to the cup fungi (Ascomycetes) and occurs throughout Europe, America and Australia. This image was taken in Kings Park in May 2015 following a research burn by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, who are investigating the interacting effects of different weed and fire management approaches on urban bushland biodiversity, fire risk and weed cove
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/potm/?y=2015&m=8
comments (7)
We would say that you are correct about the slime mould. Fire retardant is pinkish. It is also water soluble so won’t hang around after rain. I’ve got a photo somewhere of paper daisies covered in retardant which I’ll try to locate and send you. It’s amazing how fast the bush regenerates after the fire. When we got it in 2001 there were green shoots popping through within days, even though we’d had no rain. Posted 5 years ago