At this past weekend's annual Whistler BioBlitz, I added another adjective to describe me. Joining bark-sniffing and (let's be honest) tree-hugging is "mushroom-licking". Sampling the guttation from this red-banded polypore (or red belt) is not something that would normally cross my mind. However, I accompanied some of the fungal experts at the BioBlitz, and it was suggested to me that the water droplets tasted like a weak mushroom sauce (they do) and imbibing them wouldn't harm me (not yet, though I did have an exceptionally strange dream last night). The video of me licking this polypore may or may not find its way online; perhaps in the future, when something scandalous is needed. For more on guttating fungi, see the article Why Do Mushrooms Weep? (PDF) from Fungi Magazine (an apparently unanswered question).
Fomitopsis pinicola is a species of northern temperate coniferous forests. It most often grows on coniferous logs or stumps (pinicola = "pine-dwelling"), where it is an important agent of decay. Infrequently, it can be found on dead hardwoods or, sometimes, parasitic on living trees. It is inedible, in large part due to its woody nature. Michael Kuo's always-excellent MushroomExpert.com has a brief article on Fomitopsis pinicola.
Naughty boy ... in the name of science ... one of the pleasures/dangers of horticulture & botany :o)
Delightful posting!!!
First I want to say what I wonderful discovery is this page. The photos are so good, the text interesting and I really appreciate the links to further reading.
I really identify with Daniel for sniffing trees. Taking a deep breath while walking in the woods adds to the experience. I learned it from my mother who was a nature lover with all her heart and soul. From now on I will inhale deeply as I hug the tree.
The mushroom looks delicious. If its guttation is tasty (and not harmful) I can see it as an ingredient by some adventurous chef.
chances are good that a fungus on rotted wood is relatively harmless , i.e. Morels, chicken of the woods , puff balls , etc. Not so for fungi growing on other things, caution and avoidance would be the action of choice.
Bill's correct in advising caution and avoidance. I would certainly not have ingested anything to do with mushrooms without the say-so of trusted expert mycologists.
daniel if you ever plan to walk thru a dry martini forest do call
...HA..!..that's one of the funniest things you've said here Daniel..er except maybe the poison ivy incident..
as usual...love your work...thank you..
Elisabeth
That would be a very interesting forest! Junipers, olives, cinnamon,cardamom,wormwort, citrus and other secret spices, wines, potatoes and running cold water. Add to that someone adept at making and mixing the cocktail (shaken and not stirred)