Purple under hazel bark

Rambling Rob · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 06:32 PM

Hi,
Peeling the bark from some hazel revealed this striking purple coloration. Can anyone suggest what has caused it?
I know many dyes are extracted from plant material but have not found any reference to purple dye from hazel, and have not noticed anything similar beneath the bark of other wood I have stripped recently. The colour is not evident on the surface of the bark and occurs in a very shallow layer.

Thanks for looking,
Rob

Dorts · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 06:48 PM

Rob, I would guess that it is caused by a fungi, there are several that 'discolour' wood. Try putting it on the Fungi page. I'm sure they'll know.
Dorts.

Rambling Rob · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2011, 07:03 PM

Thanks Dorts - good idea, Rob

The Woodman · #4 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 07:38 AM

Hi Rob
I've done a lot of work with Hazel in earlier years and have never seen anything like this. Dorts is probably right bu I have seen similar discolouration in Oak and Sweet Chestnut caused by iron/steel embedded in the trunk. However this is usually topical and not universally spread throughout.

Rambling Rob · #5 (**permalink**) 10-02-2011, 08:01 PM

Hi Woodman,
A while back I met a wood turner who said something about timber penetrated by metal growing with attractive colours - highly prized, I think he said. There was no sign of metal having been in this wood but it's something I will look out for.
Thanks, Rob

No suggestions yet of a fungus thus far, incidentally. Maybe the roots tapped into a pot of Quink...