February 15, 2026

This might be Cartilage Lichen

Comparing photos and location it's likely

But you would have to understand the document linked below

That explains lichen identifying keys.

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2022/04/2022-FL_lichen_Keys_Whole-Document.pdf

https://www.inaturalist.org/posts/74074-lichen-identification-resources

https://www.waysofenlichenment.net/

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 19, 2025

These are known as Wandering Creamsicles

Based on their color and how they are spreading

They were introduced to Florida from Australia

And now they are rapidly northward heading.

Location: Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve

Photo originally taken: Aug 6, 2019

Explanation: Did not receive ID confirmation till 1 year after original posting.

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP375

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

March 17, 2024

This is known as a Magic Mushroom

It has shown limited promise medically

Possession is illegal in the state of Florida

But it could possibly help with depression and PSTD.

(Note: As with all mushrooms, you cannot positively identify a mushroom by a photograph. You must examine the  spore and other key features. Many mushrooms look similar - some are highly poisonous. NEVER pick and eat a wild mushroom based solely on a photograph.)

Location: Found on private land growing wild. 

Sources: https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2022-11-03/psychedelic-magic-mushroom-drug-may-ease-some-depression

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

May 18, 2023

This is Christmas Lichen

Though it looks like steak stuck on a tree

It consists of fungi, plant matter and bacteria

In a mutualistic relationship - like clownfish and anomes.

Location: Charles H. Bronson State Forest, Christmas

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1296

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 13, 2022

I don't know exactly what this thing is

I do know it's some kind of a fungi

It might be in the Milkcap genus, but

I don't have the tools to positively identify.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/lactarius.html

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 10, 2021

This is a Ganoderma species

Growing where once a sweet gum grew

Twas struck by lightning, then too much wind

Now life begins anew

Very special thanks to today's guest poet and photographer, the amazing Heather Stapleton.

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganoderma

Photo and text © 2021 Heather Stapleton

May 7, 2021

This is a type of Bracket Fungi

It is in the Ganoderma genus

The name comes from the Greek words meaning "shiny" and "skin"

Which doesn't seem accurate - but that's just between us.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/48475-Ganoderma

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 20, 2021

This is a Cinnabar Bracket

It grows in the form of a conk that is thin and dry

You might think studying fungus is boring

But I know a mycologist who's a really fun guy.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: http://plants.alaska.gov/pdf/Conks.pdf

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/974664-Trametes-sanguinea

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 23, 2019

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

This is "Shelf" or "Bracket" fungus
Growing on the Sweetgum Tree
The fungus causes the tree to rot inside
And is a sign that the tree is not healthy.

Sources: Utah State University Department of Biology Intermountain Herbarium - Shelf Fungi

USDA Field Guide to Common Macrofungi in Eastern Forests and Their Ecosystem Functions


Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson