On a dead stump beside a country road a brightly
colored polypore mushroom emerges.
Each rounded, globulous nodule expands rapidly to
become a series of fleshy shelves.
Growing and spreading at a fantastic rate of 2-3
inches every 24 hours.
Erupting from a fissure in its dead-stump host, its
bright color stands out vividly.
It lifts itself as it spreads, straining towards the
light.
Those passing by hardly notice it as they hurry along
their way.
But some, ever mindful of the public's safety, notice
everything as they pass.
As the bracket-like shelves expand, delicate bands of
peach- and coral-tone flesh emerge.
But for now, it is cool and moist to the touch with a
wonderfully wholesome scent.
In Sept 2010, this same stump produced a polypore.
In Sept 2010, this same stump produced a polypore.
Sulphur Polypore:
Semicircular, bracket-like to fan-shaped, often imbricated.
Upper surface irregular, undulating, velvety, sulphur-yellow to orange.*
Upper surface irregular, undulating, velvety, sulphur-yellow to orange.*
Flesh is juicy, occasionally with guttation
drops, later crumbly like goat's cheese.
Common in autumn on trunks and tree stumps in mixed woodlands and eucalyptus groves.*
Common in autumn on trunks and tree stumps in mixed woodlands and eucalyptus groves.*
Return to Top.
Go to Wood
Wives.