The Many-Zoned Polypore
Identifying tree fungus…
Did a tree fungus ever sound more intriguing I ask you? Did one ever look more intriguing?! Wandering through the woods these spaceship objects grab the attention like no other, I love the way they just appear anywhere on the tree conjuring up images of old sci-fi movies from way back when.
Trametes versicolour is the most common polypore to be found in Europe, most at home on deciduous trees but known to stick to the odd conifer they can be seen all year round. More often than not you will find them attached to a stump or trunk one above the other with varying colours as they mature. The cap is quite leathery and quite thin and only grow to a maximum width of 8cm. Completly inedible the surface of the cap is covered in rough, upright hairs whilst the underside flesh is creamy white and equally leathery.
In America they are known as turkey tail for their resemblance to the tail of a wild turkey, the colour variety below is perhaps my favourite, other colours include grey, brown, blue, yellow and a striking red-brown. What I should do is earmark this particular specimen and revisit the tree next year to see its colour change. If only I could remember which wood I saw it in!
The Many Zoned Polypore
Interesting. This one has rings, just as a cross-section of a tree does. Your photo is a wonderful still life portrait. Thank you for sharing it.
July 9, 2010 @ 6:50 pm
Annie,
Nice to hear from you, they are fascinating objects aren’t they? There are usually two or three varieties in the woods I frequent.
Miles
July 9, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
It almost looks like decorated pottery - great picture and very interesting.
The amount of things we walk by without giving a second thought to is staggering
Best
Rod
July 10, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
Rod,
Thanks, there are a few varieties out there and you’re right, we should pay more attention. Sound familiar?!!
Miles
July 10, 2010 @ 11:28 pm
Hi Miles:
In the US the most common polypore is probably the Polyporus sulphurus which is, not surprisingly bright yellowy-orange and favors red oak stumps. It is wonderfully edible and goes by the name of “chicken mushroom” in the vernacular. It is also possible to freeze raw samples for cooking at a later date - something a bit unusual for fungus.
Great photo!
Laura
July 13, 2010 @ 11:48 am
Laura,
Are they quite large? I reckon we call those ‘chicken of the woods’ over here. I’ve used them before, too large to do anything other than slice them and cook them. Wonder if it’s the same?
Miles
July 13, 2010 @ 10:20 pm