One day, I stumbled upon these fascinating seeds. Could you tell me what they are? Terry Woodhouse, Dublin.
Delightfully charming, aren’t they? They are seeds of the spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus, a species that hails from Ireland. Those have a four-lobed, coral-pink exterior, protecting the seeds underneath its orange juicy coating. This sturdy and resistant spindle wood is utilised for creating spindles, pegs, violin bows and even elements of the classic Irish harp. Historically, it’s served as both an emetic and a laxative, hence consumption is discouraged, it’s best left for our avian friends.
Recently in an eastward forest in Clare, I found what appears to be bumblebees. It seemed like their attention was on the tree roots beside the stump seen in my photograph. Could you please tell me what’s happening? Flynn Wolpert, Co Clare.
John Breen, a respected Hymenoptera scholar at the University of Limerick, has helped me with this one. According to him, these are white-tailed bumblebees, which had a nest tucked beneath the tree roots. Unfortunately, a mammal, possibly a badger, fox or pine-marten has destroyed the nest overnight, in search of honey. The ones you see scavenging below are worker bees. Those on the stump, however, seem to be young queens.
This peculiar growth has sprung up in my backyard in Clontarf. It seems to be a magnet for flies and is an odd sight. Is it toxic? I noticed something similar growing beneath the sleeper last year but this year it’s on the bedding. Karen Randall, Dublin.
This unusual growth you’ve come across is a fungus known as Clathrus ruber, possibly, recognised as the red latticed stinkhorn. Characterised by a revolting odour, it lures flies to the sticky spore-filled mess hidden within the lattice, thereby aiding in the spread of the spores. Usually found on soil or wood chips in warmer areas, its presence is rare in Ireland. The first sighting was around 1982, in a garden on Howth Road in Clontarf. As repulsive as this fungus may be, it poses no harm while growing in the garden.
Upon disposing rowan tree clippings into the compost bin, I discovered that it was swarming with small green creatures, much to the delight of my grandkids. Could they possibly be stink bugs? Ulla Mitchell from Dublin 16
Have you also found this intriguing? These are in fact green shield bugs, sometimes known as green stink bugs. They are immature creatures, referred to as nymphs, which feed on the sap from a selection of deciduous trees, including the rowan tree. The bugs had likely been disturbed from the rowan tree clippings that were suddenly dumped into the compost bin. These green shield bugs hatch from eggs, then grow into nymphs, their maturing process involves shedding their skin five times, each time growing larger and undergoing physical changes. They are currently in the fourth instar stage, indicating they’re close to reaching full maturity.
I’ve found some peculiar fungi blooming on a dying fallen tree in a woodland area in Longford. Could you help identify them? Trevor Lloyd
The fungi you’ve found goes by the name ‘Pleurotus pulmonarius’. It’s often referred to as lung oyster, Indian oyster, Italian oyster or phoenix oyster. This species is known to cause white decay on varying hardwood trees. Although it may seem enticing, consuming this fungi isn’t recommended as it can easily be mixed up with a similar-looking fungi known as ‘Pleurocybella porrigens’, also acknowledged as angel wings fungus. These grow on conifer wood and have been associated with fatal poisonings. For future reference, never consume any wild fungi unless approved by a professional in the area, ideally only after they’ve tasted it themselves!