21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Saprobes - Enoki

Enoki Mushrooms on rotting log. Saprobic organisms such as fungi and slime moulds inhabit the liminal space between death and life. They are the “rotters” of the world, the essential decomposers and recyclers which dispose of organic waste, releasing vital nutrients which others, in turn, utilise for growth, maintenance and renewal. To conserve, improve and transform our environment, we need to understand the complexities of ecosystems better. Macro photography allows me to highlight the unseen and overlooked. I hope it will promote greater curiosity, understanding, appreciation and protection of all our natural world.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2023
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Copyright: © Kerry Lowes