This isn't a fungus on a tree but a mass of woolly aphids. Each aphid produces a filmy white covering. They suck sap from all parts of a plant but rarely do lasting damage. What I found interesting about this picture is I caught a hornet nearby. Aphids have the ability to produce a sticky substance called "honeydew" which is the excess sugar they ingest from the sap. Bees and hornets are attracted by the sweet honeydew. Got me to thinking ... What woman wouldn't appreciate the ability to just extrude excess sugar instead of putting on a fat layer? ... As an added plus, what if the sugary smell attracted men? ... Yes, I know, pretty sappy. Time for me to get some sleep.
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