I recently encountered this impressive fungus structure in a woodland. To me it resembles an ornate ceramic sculpture. Yet this glorious thing is only the fruiting body, and a fraction of what exists hidden beneath the surface. A network of threadlike filaments called hyphae spread through the soil out of sight, carrying nutrients and information as well as passing news to other plants including trees.

I’m also intrigued by the green filaments decorating the frilled, saucer-like structures. Is this another lifeform? Is it working in symbiosis or attacking the fungi?

It’s all fascinating, isn’t it? Imagine if the parts of icebergs that are under could communicate in this way and warn of coming storms and other risks? What about our own hidden depths, and the microscopic bacteria that help us function? Is that a thrilling thought for you, or downright creepy?

Explore this idea and see if you can turn it into a story.

If you write or create something prompted by this idea, please send it to me in an email to judydarley (at) iCloud.com for possible publication on SkyLightRain.com.