October 13, 2013

Early Autumn hike at Steinman Run

Sue Reno, Steinman Run Trail, view 1
We recently went on a great ramble along the Steinman Run trail, in southern Lancaster County, PA.  The property is part of the Lancaster County Conservancy.
Sue Reno, Steinman Run Trail, view 2
This preserved 245 acre tract of land has huge mature trees, marshy areas, and a sparkling clean stream that supports brook trout.  The slanting early autumn sunlight gave my pictures a pointillistic  effect.
Sue Reno, Steinman Run Trail, view 2
I’ve been hiking the Pennsylvania woodlands all my life, but still find surprises almost every time I go out.  This time I spotted some new-to-me tiny fungi.  A lot of googling tentatively identifies these as Calestoma cinnabarium.  They were growing under a stand of chestnut oak trees.
Sue Reno, Calostroma cinnabarinum, macro view 1
The center structure in the picture is a bit smaller than an acorn. 
Sue Reno, Calostroma cinnabarinum, macro view 2
It arises from a surround of gelatinous smaller structures.
Sue Reno, Calostroma  cinnabarinum, macro view 3

As it matures, it splits open at the apex.Sue Reno, Calostroma cinnabarinum, macro view 4
Nearby was a similar fungus I believe is the related Calestoma lutescens.  It is paler in color, and arises from a webbed structure.
Sue Reno, Calostoma lutescens
A macro view of the spongy web:
Sue Reno, Calostoma lutescens, macro view 2
And a macro view of the globule:
Sue Reno, Calostoma lutescens, macro view 1
Also in the new-to-me category was an area of partridge berry, a small, delicate looking ground cover.
Sue Reno, Partridge berry
It’s unusual in its reproductive strategy.  In the spring, two flowers bloom side by side, and after fertilization their ovaries fuse, forming a single berry with two calyxes (the pointed tips at the end of the berry).
Sue Reno, Partridge berry, macro view 1
Here’s another macro view of the double calyx. 
Sue Reno, Partridge berry, macro view 2
It was a good day for noticing small, beautiful things.  I hope wherever you are, you can find the time to get out and look around at your environment.

As always, thanks for reading and commenting.

2 comments:

Stella said...

Those fused berries are completely fascinating! (I have always had a bit of an obsession with berries). What a fantastic place for a hike!

Sue Reno said...

I am fascinated by the berries as well--so many wonders in the world!