Rain has spurred on the glowing troops of mushrooms hidden deep in an Australian national park, helping them multiply and glow brighter than ever.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"Every year seems to be getting better and better," photographer Kurtis Hickling said.
"Obviously the environment they're growing in is suitable and the rain this year had made them totally flourish.
"You can clearly see it with the naked eye they're glowing so bright at the moment."
The bioluminescent ghost fungi - Omphalotus Nidiformis - doesn't occur widely across the border region and these glowing mushrooms can only be found in deep in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park in Victoria's northeast.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The Chiltern photographer, who first stumbled upon the glowing ghost fungi eight years ago, said conditions had been favourable over the past couple of years, allowing the mushrooms to thrive.
"We're pretty privileged in Chiltern to actually have bioluminescent fungi in parts of the area," he said.
"It's something unique and it looks great, a lot of people come out to visit, and as a photographer it's great to be able to share that passion with the members of the community."
The mushrooms' unique glow is formed when oxygen reacts with an enzyme produced by the fungi.
While mainly visible at night the reaction is actually constantly occurring.
Previously, Mr Hickling has hosted workshops on how to photograph the fungi, and taken groups out to the site. Due to COVID, this year's workshops were cancelled.
Mr Hickling said those venturing out alone should take care not to step on or harm the mushrooms and remember they are poisonous.