Mum baffled by tiny growths in Woolworths Discovery Garden plant
A Woolworths customer has been left baffled after dozens of small white growths sprouted in her Discovery Garden.
In a post on the Woolworths Facebook page on Sunday the young mum asked “did these have to pass any bio security to get into Tasmania?”
The question was posted with two images of the seedlings with tiny white growths peeking through the soil.
While it’s unclear what plant the woman was growing, it’s not the first time amateur gardeners have been left scratching their heads over strange discoveries in the grocery giant’s collectables.
Some customers found the biodegradable pots quickly grew mould, while another customer found her oregano was also unexpectedly growing mushrooms.
The mystery growths have left customers with some describing them “gross”, while others are happy to wash them off and enjoy their seedlings.
To eat or not to eat
Australian Tropical Herbarium mycologist Dr Matt Barrett told Yahoo News that while he would need to examine the seedling in person, he believes the tiny white specks are most likely to be “spores of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi” and not harmful.
“It is unlikely to be a health issue, as the fungus is not on the plant itself, and if it is on the roots it is almost certainly beneficial,” Dr Barrett said.
Dr Barrett said the fungi growths are common in most potting mix and even if the soil is sterilised, spores can travel in the air and a simple rinse will get rid of it.
“Soil bacteria are a much bigger problem than soil fungi, which is why you should wash soil off before eating,” he said.
Woolworths agree and said in a statement to Yahoo that mould “can be a natural part of the process when it comes to growing a natural product”.
“Although the mould doesn’t damage the plant, it is unsightly and usually indicates that the pots are being overwatered,” a spokesperson for the grocery chain said.
“If you see mould appearing, we suggest gently wiping it off with a tissue or cloth. If in doubt, you may wish to dispose of the plant as a precaution.”
Dr Barrett said patience is required to make sure any plant is edible.
“She should probably grow the plants for a while before eating them anyway, and by then the plant will either show signs of disease or die, or if healthy it is fine!” he said.
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