22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Tsukiyotake and stars #2

"Tukiyotake" is a poisonous mushroom that grows on dead broad-leaved trees. There are similar edible mushrooms, so in Japan, it is often mistaken for "Tsukiyotake" and poisonous cases are reported. I like mushrooms that glow at night and fireflies, so in autumn I look for "Tukiyotake" and take pictures. Dead trees lose their leaves and can no longer make nutrients. They give the little remaining nutrients to mushrooms such as Tsukiyotake, which glow at night. They really show their last glow.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 12.2024
Photo Location: Daisen Town, Tottori Prefecture, Japan
Camera: ILCE-7RM4
Copyright: © Masahiro Hiroike