This old guy has seen some things. An old Fomitopsis pinicola or Western Red Belted Conk is seen growing on this decaying log. It most certainly started growing when the log was at a different orientation as they are pretty particular about their orientation. I'm assuming the log was propped up to the right and turned like 90 degrees away when this guy was growing many years ago. I believe each one of those bands seen here are a year or season worth of growth. At least 6 periods of growth from my count. I'd love to find out how long it takes to get to this stage.
Having never found a single one of these special guys in my life and then to find them at 2 parks! It really made my day. So adorable, I hope I never stop finding them now!
Is it just me or does this fern look like it's rearing for a fight, with the 2 lower immature fronds acting as it's arms held up guarding and the center frond being the head ducking and super oddly shaped. Poor fighter might need to get that checked out. I've heard of cauliflower ear but this is on a whole other level.
The super mature red belted conk from picture 1 is seen here in the lower left corner of the image. Winston stands guard in the top right while his silly papa, who insists on stopping nearly minute to take pictures of every freaking mushroom we pass scopes out the aforementioned red belted conk, or Fomitopsis pinicola, which you must pronounce using a Nordic accent. Better yet, Fargo Minnesotan.
A few more observations from this evening's bonus walk.
📸1&4: This old Mushroom with a bonus Winston!
📸#2: It's my lucky day! I should play the lotto...another Lichenomphalia umbellifera!
📸#3: Feisty fern putting 'em up.
#LikenLichen
#FungiFeiends
#FightingFern
#MossMates
#ALTtext
