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Alien boogers
By Larry Halverson/Friends of Kootenay
Susie MacDonald sent Friends of Kootenay this photo of what looks like a glob of orange jelly in a juniper. It is actually a fungus known by mycologists as Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae or to orchidists as Cedar-Apple Rust.
In the spring, particularly after the rains, it creates a large freaky-looking fruit-body with gelatinous horns that can range in size from a grape to a baseball. They have quite a complex live cycle alternating between plants. But when they are in the stage that Susie found them they look like something from outer space. They reminded one observer of “alien boogers” which I’m sure will come to your mind the next time you see one on your walk in juniper country.
Photo: Gymnosporangium found in Columbia Lake Park by Susie MacDonald
