Spalted Beech

[nightshade]

I have just been shown some hand carved walking sticks with Spalted Beech handles. I am told that the distinctive pattern is caused by a fungus,this results in fine black lines through the wood rather like marbling what sort of fungus ,any ideas

[fairplay]

The black lines you see in spalted Beech are in fact 'barriers' formed by melanin in the mycelium of species of Pyrenomycete fungi such as Xylaria's, Hypoxylon, Kretzschmaria or Trametes even.

They are zones to keep other fungi out of their patch.

Neil.

[NickCantle]

Well I never knew that. Cheers Neil

[fairplay]

Just had a thought - a War Zone or The Front Line might be a better description as the lines are where the mycelium of 2 opposing fungi (different, or of the same species) meet together.

On the other hand, if they just meet together for a friendly natter, you could call it the Garden Fence.

Neil.