Compost heap fungus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of the fungus Aspergillus glaucus growing on bread in a compost heap. Compost is made by stacking plant remains together in a heap. The plant material degrades and the resulting brown crumbly compost is dug in to enrich the soil. Aspergillus is a mould most often found growing on breads and jams. Here, a fruiting body is shown containing chains of conidiospores (spherical). When ripe, conidiospores are easily dislodged by air currents or physical contact. When the spores reach a suitable new substrate germination is rapid. Magnification: x1,000 at 6x6cm size.