No I flipping haven't Woodgreen, drives you mad doesn't it? I'll go through the RHS list of common weeds in a while. And, when I find it I'll kick myself for not remembering the name of it.
Remembered it, it's sheep sorrel. Very invasive. Yes it does have a long seed pod Woodgreen. The only thing going for it is that it's edible. I didn't know that. This might very well not be the root in question but useful to know. See below
The more I look at the photo enlarged the more fungal it looks. No sign of any growing points, it looks just like the rhizomorphs I've seen growing in my compost bins and one time, a bulk bag of shreddings. From one tiny point of entry in the stitching of the bag, the whole lot was taken over. I pulled it out by the handful, like unravelled Brillo pads. It was feeding off the woody bits in the shreddings. I transferred it to plastic dustbins until I was sure the rhizomorphs were dead. Honey fungus is all over here but it goes against the grain to actively put it round my plants. I store the bulk bags on a hard surface now. Compost and leafmould the same, as they attract the fungus.
Some sources say that once detached from the feeding source (which happened when I severed the rhizomorph that had entered the bag) the remaining detached fungus dies.
Some species of honey fungus don't attack healthy plants, just dead material so it's not all doom and gloom I know.
Thanks, I’ve had another look and am convinced it’s the rhizomorphs or boot laces from honey fungus. I was thrown off the scent as I hadn’t seen any mushrooms. Makes sense as I store bags of shredded Hawthorn branches next to this particular compost bin. I haven’t any dead trees/shrubs, thankfully. I do have numerous stumps also in the same area as the compost bin. I’m reluctant to use the compost as a mulch. I guess I’ll bag it all and see how it’s faired next spring. I’ll also flag the area to ensure the fungus can’t get into the bins in future. The RHS website also indicates when detached it dies.
Thanks again to all who responded, your knowledge and experience is invaluable and is very much appreciated. Regards Andy.
I think that's a good idea Andy. I have an area where I spread excess grass clippings each week. After a season or two it's nicely composted, except it has those blessed rhizomorphs in it. I bag it in plastic bags and tie the tops, store it for two or three years (I am fortunate to have space in a shed to do this) and it's fine, I check but there's been no sign off them. It may be that it's not a problematic species, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, having lost several trees and shrubs to honey fungus over nearly thirty years.
When I transferred the infected shreddings to plastic dustbins I left the lids slightly askew to let any moisture evaporate. I lifted a lid last May to check on the shreddings -- and found this robin's nest! A nice surprise.
Love the Robins. How lucky. I have a resident Robin also. It’s become so accustomed to me that it will sit on the rim of my wheelbarrow when I turn the compost over. It loves the little red worms.
Like the idea re the excess grass clippings. Will give it a go, maybe add cardboard into the mixed. There’s always enough cardboard. I have an Amazonian wife, if you know what I mean.
Re the honey fungus, I’ve read it’s not a problem for healthy plants. Perhaps I’m paranoid? I’m taking no chances. I’ve enough good composted material in my other bins to complete my mulching job. It’s not in the beds that’s the main thing.
Posts
See below
https://www.wildfooduk.com/edible-wild-plants/sheeps-sorrel/
I transferred it to plastic dustbins until I was sure the rhizomorphs were dead. Honey fungus is all over here but it goes against the grain to actively put it round my plants.
I store the bulk bags on a hard surface now. Compost and leafmould the same, as they attract the fungus.
Some sources say that once detached from the feeding source (which happened when I severed the rhizomorph that had entered the bag) the remaining detached fungus dies.
Some species of honey fungus don't attack healthy plants, just dead material so it's not all doom and gloom I know.
I hope it turns out to be just plant roots.
I have an area where I spread excess grass clippings each week. After a season or two it's nicely composted, except it has those blessed rhizomorphs in it. I bag it in plastic bags and tie the tops, store it for two or three years (I am fortunate to have space in a shed to do this) and it's fine, I check but there's been no sign off them.
It may be that it's not a problematic species, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, having lost several trees and shrubs to honey fungus over nearly thirty years.
I lifted a lid last May to check on the shreddings -- and found this robin's nest! A nice surprise.