In message , Nick Maclaren
writes

In article ,
David Rance wrote:

I wonder if anyone can identify this strange excrescence at the base of
a rose bush. It's growing on some stems that were cut down some months
ago. When it is touched with a twig it seems to dissolve.

http://www.mesnil.demon.co.uk/DSC_0853.jpg

Never seen anything like it before! Thanks in advance.

Slime mould - try a searc on 'uk slime mould white'.

Thanks, Nick. My wife has removed it but is wondering if it's likely to
kill off the plants around it.

David

--
David Rance writing from Le Mesnil Villement, Calvados, France