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They look different, Elle.
Hair ice is also known as "ice wool" and "frost beard".
It only appears on fungus, I think.

Rusty, it's fascinating!
I have looked them both up.
"Hair ice" as you say, forms on dead wood and takes the shape of silky, fine hair
Only this last year, scientists identified the fungus that is responsible for the formation.
Yes, you are right, a frost flower is something different.....in freezing conditions, the sap in the stem of plants expand, and when cracks form, water is drawn through them, which then freezes on contact with the air. As more water is drawn through, the thin ice layers are pushed further back, causing a thin "petal" to form.
Both are incredible feats of nature, aren't they?
As Malone said, there are some terrific pictures of both instances!

Hello, Elle !
Yes, Nature can be wonderful.
Some great photos on Internet, too.

Elle, today's crossword done.
Getting away ahead of myself!

A tiny bit from a frond, stored in a plastic bag, will keep sufficiently well for protein analysis for a few days.

Good morning, Rusty!
Yes, you are indeed ahead of yourself with today's crossword already done - and that before one in the morning!
I though you liked to leave it till teatime?
But of course, you are going out with Miss ATW today, aren't you? What time does her yoga class finish? When will you be off?
It is another lovely day here - but we haven't yet been out - unfortunately (and miserably!) we are both suffering from bad coughs, so, as there is no necessity to be out early today, we are waiting till it "warms up" a bit (wishful thinking?) before taking out the dog.
Have you got a good day weatherwise for your outing? I hope it is fine and not too cold?


Thanks , Chris, I didn't think it would be as simple as that.

Good morning, Elle.
Yes, I did it online at midnight.
Not meeting my granddaughter now. Something has come up, so we shall go another time.
It is quite cold here, too.

Hi again, elle
In the example that I knew about, they found a fern that looked intermediate between two fairly distinct species. To confirm it, immunlogy was used. Antibodies to specific proteins from each species were made; the tissue sample was found to react with both, confirming the hybrid.

Hi, Rusty!
0C here, according to the local forecast - I've only ventured as far as the garden so far.....but the sun is shining and the sky is blue!
Have you been out for your paper?
I shall have a go at the Times Jumbo GK and then think about going out with the dog.
A pity about the outing with your granddaughter being postponed, but you can always go another day!
I think we shall stay home tomorrow, instead of visiting our younger daughter and family as planned - no point in spreading germs around!

Hi, Chris,
I'm not well up in botany! When you mentioned tissue sampling, I just assumed it would be histological. Yes, using immunology and going down the antibody route makes sense to me.