Is it a fungi

[CapAndBracket]

Now that sounds a silly question when we are looking at
Rigidoporus ulmarius.

But note the abundance of algae on the upper surface, apparently the
latest studies of this show the alagae and fungi are exchanging nutrients,
so this could qualify as the largest lichen yet known.

Interestingly Trametes gibbosa tends to sport algae and yes the same applies with this species.

Somebody found a Phellinus ribis, which as with examples i have found
was sporting a nice cap of moss ? It's certainly interesting.

Cheers J.P.

[NickCantle]

Sort of Symbiosis between the Lichen and Bracket?

[CapAndBracket]

No a lichen is a fungi/algae combination, so in this case the R.ulmarius is the
fungal partner

Cheers J.P.

[NickCantle]

* Deep breath *

So how does that work?

[CapAndBracket]

You will need to ask a lichen expert for a full description.
But from what little i know, the algae are capable of photosynthesis
so can use light energy and CO2 +water to make sugars, the algae are
connected to fungal hypae and pass sugars to the fungi, the assumption
being that the fungi passes mineral ions to the algae in exchange, so a
mutually beneficial relationship.

Cheers J.P.

[NickCantle]

That makes sense.

So would the hyphae look different microscopically or should I go and find T. gibbosa and have a go?

[CapAndBracket]

Now that is an excellent idea which i will follow up myself when oportunity
presents itself.

Apparently there are quite a few phd,s available for people who can solve
some of these questions, there is an interesting one concerning the
V.surrecta, will PM.

Cheers J.P.

[Gill Catton]

I think the world of fungus is similar to the world of bats in that we probably only understand a fraction of their ecology and the association they have with the habitats they are resident in. Fungus is probably fundamental to all things really I'll bet we'll be uncovering suprising fungal relationships for decades if not longer. Fascinating area and yes ripe for Phd - well funded even as it may well be relevant to crop production or tree health.

[BROCSMAN]

I'm afraid this is a bit of a mundane question after the foregoing, but how do you distinguish between Rigidoporus ulmarius and Trametes gibbosa?

[CapAndBracket]

Not mundane at all (stick around i'm bound to make a mistake soon).

Probably the simplest answer would be the pore surface, (hence why i
showed a section in the R.ulmarius photo), T.gibbosa would be white/cream
and larger slotted rather than round pores.

Cheers J.P.