taken 17 years ago, 3 km from Rafford, Moray, Scotland
A mystery of Nature on Altyre Estate
At first we thought it was a piece of shredded fabric that clung to several twigs on the ground. A closer inspection gave the impression that it was in fact a fungal growth. The mystery substance only appeared on twigs of which the bark was broken or absent. On contact with the hand it was found that the cotton wool like material melted immediately which showed that it was in fact an ice formation but how do you explain its formation? I'd love to know.
Extraordinary! I've never seen anything like this, therefore I cannot offer an explanation as requested.
I think this picture would be a worthy entry to the 'Last Word' in New Scientist.