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Annual Sulfur Polypore
August 2014 |
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| For decades a sulfur polypore fungi has emerged from one of the decaying stumps in the foreground. | ||
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| It is likely the three stumps are from a single coast live oak and share a common root system. | ||
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| The micro organism producing the polypores resides deep within the root structure and surrounding soil. | ||
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| Why only one of the three stumps produces a polypore annually is unknown. | ||
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| Polypores expand rapidly engulfing twigs, grasses and leaves in their path. | ||
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| Often a single fan-shaped fruiting body forms with "tongues" protruding in various directions. | ||
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| Normally, this polypore would expand until it closed the distance between its fruiting bodies. | ||
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| However, due to the current severe drought, it stopped growing and began drying out within a few days. | ||
| Sadly, 2014 was the last year this polypore bloomed. | ||
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| Falling leaves, first sign of autumn. | ||
| Return to Top. | Go to Stump Fun 2009 | |