A tree sticking out its tongue.

This morning, I spent a happy half hour in search of the fungus Taphrina alni. Eventually I found one, just the one!
The fungus infects the female cones of alder trees Alnus glutinosa. In response to the infection the unfortunate cone produces a red gall, known as an alder tongue, which the fungus uses as a platform from which to disperse its reproductive spores into the wind  Isn't life truly complicated and wonderful?
The photograph is far from sharp but in my defence the wind was blowing mightily and I was on tiptoes with my arms held aloft.