Winter Blooming in Tsuman Forest: Which Mushrooms Appear in the Frost.

According to ТСН: Despite the winter season, forest ecosystems are showing activity. During an expedition, employees of the Tsuman Forest National Nature Park discovered interesting "blooming" of mushrooms, mosses, and lichens.

Scientists emphasize the importance of mosses and lichens as key elements of winter beauty in the forest, which play a significant role in maintaining soil health.

Active Mosses and Lichens

Representatives of the Tsuman Forest note that the moss Plagiomnium insigne forms lush, green carpets that sharply contrast with the gray trunks of trees and help retain moisture.

"Lichens, these amazing symbiotic organisms — a combination of fungus and alga, are not only adornments of trees and stones, but also sensitive indicators of air purity. Their presence signifies the health of our ecosystem. These bizarre, often branching forms, such as Cladonia subulata, Cladonia furcata and others, add a special graphic quality to the forest texture," representatives stated.

Mushrooms in the Frost

In addition to mosses and lichens, researchers recorded several mushroom species that continue to fruit even under freezing conditions.

"Not all mushrooms wait for autumn to appear on the soil surface. Some species can fruit even during frosts, maintaining their vital functions and forming fruit bodies when most organisms are at rest," the Tsuman Forest reported.

Among the identified species:

• 1. Flammulina velutipes — known for its frost resistance.
• 2. Clitocybe nebularis.
• 3. Paralepista flaccida.
• 4. Scleroderma citrinum.
• 5. Xylaria hypoxylon — known as "dead man's fingers", which creates an unusual visual pattern on wood.

This activity in nature attracts the attention of researchers and ecologists, as it indicates the resilience of natural systems to climate changes. Studying mosses, lichens, and mushrooms during the winter season opens up new opportunities for understanding ecosystems and their adaptive mechanisms.