Q: What does the appearance of this mushroom tell us about how it achieved its position and dimensions, as at 1. 07 pm on 20 June 2023?
A: I am not a mycologist, and my hunch/conclusions may be wrong, but….
…I think that its very robust “trunk”/“stalk” – and the amount of dirt still-attached – tell us that this particular fruiting body did a deal of its growing whilst still underground, and then “punched” its way through to the forest floor’s surface.
Its “dirty”, tough appearance would suggest that a substantial struggle was required.
The much “cleaner” and more “delicate” appearance of this series’ coral fungi fruiting bodies would suggest that their readily visible parts must have developed in the open air, above ground.
As the photo shows, on its “way up”, today’s ‘shroom uplifted one of the fallen stringybark leaves that previously would have lain flattish, on the ground.
If anyone knows that my surmising is utter tosh I will be delighted to hear from you…and to publish a correct/ed explanation!