What in the weird and wonderful world of nature is this?!

These gross-looking blobs of goo may take you by surprise and have you scratching your head when you suddenly come across them on the walking trail. Maybe they’re some kind of fungus…?

The goo has a jelly-like texture and is in fact a kind of defence mechanism produced by the kurrajong tree (Brachychiton populneus) to protect the seed pods, which you can see in the photos, from insect attack. These pictures were taken last Friday at Swainsona Conservation Reserve, after the heavy rain event on the Thursday. Indeed this is a common sight after heavy rain in warmer weather on kurrajongs and Illawarra flame trees (both of which are Brachychiton species). The goo can also be spotted at wounds on the trunk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apparently the goo can be quite caustic so it’s better not to touch it with bare hands, and if you spot any at your place, maybe wash it away with a hose!