UPDATE: A shocking discovery in a bathroom in Yeppoon, Queensland has sent waves of concern as residents confront a potential plumbing disaster. A local homeowner was left nauseated after finding a bizarre growth resembling “the stuff of nightmares” on a kickboard in their home this week.
The alarming find prompted the resident to share their experience in a Facebook group dedicated to fungus, questioning whether the peculiar growth could be composted. “Not sure what was even spilled here from the kids…” they expressed, highlighting the confusion and distress surrounding the eerie sight.
While the growth is not harmful, experts suggest it indicates a much larger issue—likely a leak. “Depressingly, about a year ago, we replaced those walls and redid the whole bathroom,” the homeowner lamented. “I spent a small fortune on it. I’m going to crowbar off the kickboards today and see what’s underneath.” The situation escalated when the homeowner described the bottom of the fungi as having a “pinky red blood” appearance, leading them to contemplate vomiting.
The unexpected growth has been identified by Professor Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist and Director of Science at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, as a type of chocolate tube slime mould. According to Professor Summerell, these slime moulds, which initially appear white, produce chocolate brown spores over time. “They are often found on rotting timber or in very moist conditions on timber,” he explained to Yahoo News.
Slime moulds are unique organisms that don’t fit neatly into the categories of fungi, plants, or animals; they belong to the ‘protista’ kingdom. Professor Summerell elaborated, “Slime moulds are peculiar protists that normally take the form of amoeba but also develop fruit bodies that release spores.” While they may be unsettling to find indoors, these moulds can indicate excellent soil health when discovered in gardens.
This incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users expressing their disbelief and concern. One entomologist, Tanya Latty, previously noted that despite their simplicity, slime moulds can solve mazes and make complex decisions, demonstrating their intriguing biological capabilities.
As the Yeppoon resident prepares to investigate further, the community is left wondering about the implications of this find—both for their homes and their health. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular home maintenance to prevent leaks and water damage.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. If you have any similar discoveries or concerns, share your story with us at [email protected]. Follow us for more breaking news on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube.
