September 26th, 2006
one big conk
Back on June 5th, I wrote about visiting a maple snag at Baird Woods that hosts a number of Artists Conk fungi (Ganoderma applanatum). Recently, we stopped to visit the snag and see how the fungus brackets are looking. As may be seen in the above photo, one of the brackets has become exceedingly large. That particular bracket has an interesting history. It’s been there for awhile, but has been damaged a couple of times and lost big chunks — I’m pretty sure as a result of someone standing atop it. However, each time a piece has been knocked off, the bracket has begun to regrow and envelope the existing piece with the new growth which is white compared to the older brown sections. Later in the autumn, the entire bracket becomes uniformly brown. In such a way, this particular bracket seems to keep enlarging, while others on the snag and on a nearby tree seem to grow large and then begin to decay. I can only conclude the the “damage” from having parts broken away, seems to actually benefit this bracket, causing it to grow even larger.
September 27th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Bev, I love these things, and there are some whoppers in the woods in Lanark.
September 27th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
That’s a very large Conk. I like how it repairs itself and in the process makes itself larger. Interesting response to injury. Hope the trip is going well.
September 27th, 2006 at 3:58 pm
Cate – Yes, you’re right… there are some real whoppers in Lanark. I’ve found some very nice ones at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, Gillies Grove in Arnprior, and also up at Shaw Woods near Lake Dore in Renfrew.
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Robin – Yes, it sure is a big Conk. I never knew they could repair themselves as well as they do as I’d never really observed one over time. It’s been fun to keep visiting this one to see what it’s been up to between each visit. The trip is going very well and has taken us to a few unexpected places. I’ll probably post some notes again soon but having trouble picking out anything in particular to write about as the days seem sort of blurred — which actually seems like a good thing!
September 30th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
that’s very cool…don’t get anything like that in SC…I bet the wood fairies use it as a dance floor when nobody’s looking ;)
October 1st, 2006 at 5:08 pm
This is an impressive fungus and interesting story about it too.
October 3rd, 2006 at 4:08 pm
Lee – Ha! I like the idea of wood fairies using the conk as a dance floor. I expect you’re right!.
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CGP – Thanks!
October 3rd, 2006 at 4:35 pm
I’m quite sure that fairies use that enormous fungi as a dance floor, because you see, I have what looks like an old tree stump in the woods by my home — but (shhh), it’s actually a fairy castle! I’m learning so many things I never knew from the nature & place bloggers I visit. Just wanted to say thanks!
October 3rd, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Kati – Thanks to you too. People dropping by to leave comments is part of what keeps me (and other bloggers) interested in doing what we’re doing.
December 4th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
wish I had it to paint or engrave on…I’ve looked all over and only found one good piec but it was broken apart…thanks for sharing this picture
March 18th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Reply to Linda – Here in Northern PA, (PA Wilds) we have many large conks. Have been harvesting and selling some on ebay. Artists seem to love them. They are a very natural base for any art project.
April 12th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
bam bam bam
April 12th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
bam bam bam
April 12th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
bombamshalalala