Not a Fungus

Although it certainly resembles a fungus and is sometimes referred to as ‘fungus root’ this  flowering plant belongs in the family Balanophoraceae and is found in Queensland’s moist rainforests.

Not frequently observed as they are often partially covered by leaf litter on the rainforest floor, this unusual plant is a leafless root parasite needing no chlorophyll.  Leaves have been replaced by scales and each plant consists of a single stem about 8 cm high.  Male and female flowers are produced separately on the plant.  The male flowers encircle the stem below the club shaped organ which is covered in tiny female flowers.

The tiny fruit are numerous and cover the club-shaped receptacle.  Once the plant has fruited it collapses, much as fungi do.  In the last photo you can see  new stems emerging from their underground tuber while the collapsed fruiting body appears as a dark brown mass which merges into the rainforest floor and could be easily overlooked.

References:  “Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest” W&WT Cooper; “Native Plants Queensland” Keith A.W.Williams; “Amongst Trees” R.Russell et al.