Turkey (Tails)

a different kind of turkey

encircles its wooden host

autumnal colours emerge

I’ve written before about ‘shelf fungi’ – a type of fungi that tend to grow, shelf-like, out of dead or diseased trees. This time of year is perfect for findings and appreciating polypores – their colours remain vibrant during the grey days of late Autumn. I thought it fitting to highlight Turkey Tails given that it was American thanksgiving last week. These are indeed a different kind of turkey, and not ones that would normally show up on the dining room table; although, in fairness, they are edible (although apparently better if ground down into a powder, perhaps for tea*)! The latin name for the species is Trametes versicolor, the latter meaning ‘various or variety of colours’. And while some of these fungi can be quite dark, many can have bands that are yellow-ish, light brown, ochre, or reddish. The species can be quite common in some forests, and always worth a moment or two of appreciation.

* I do not suggest eating ANY fungi without first ensuring its identity with an expert, a mycologist.

© Christopher M Buddle 2023