One of the things I learned from a recorded book I read some time ago is the benefit of walking. With that in mind, I went out yesterday afternoon to give my legs some workout and to feed my soul.
Leaving my Lil Guy curled up on the couch, I paced unhurriedly toward the hilly side of the property. It's usually my go-to place whenever I want a little hike. The air is fresher, it's private, and the probability of meeting another soul is close to zero. I like it, especially when I need some solitude.
And guess what I found?
I was about to rest when my eyes caught something bright on a tree trunk. Oh boy, was I excited! Not only was it huge, but it was also thick!
It's even longer than my palm!
Google Lens identified it as Fomitopsis pinicola or Red-belted conk, although I wasn't sure if it was. Accordingly, this type is a stem decay fungus common on softwood and hardwood trees.
The species is common throughout temperate Europe and Asia. It is a decay fungus that serves as a small-scale disturbance agent in coastal rainforest ecosystems. It influences stand structure and succession in temperate rainforests. It performs essential nutrient cycling functions in forests. As well as a key producer of brown rot residues that are stable soil components in coniferous forest ecosystems. It has been reported that mushrooms have significant antioxidant activity.
(src)
From the description, this is a young fungus. And since this type is perennial, it develops a new pore surface each year. I hope not to forget and check it out on my next walks to see what changes. I did not touch it, but it should have a hard texture.
Anyway, this is the view from up there. The blue sky was magnificent, and the clouds added a magical touch.
On my way down at past 3 pm, I found a tiny one growing on the ground, on the same spot where we photographed what I referred to as the
Fungi Kingdom.
GL says it's a Shiitake, an edible type of mushroom, but I highly doubt it. So I just left it there until it disappeared like the others before.
The rain came at 4 pm, nourishing the earth again so I might see more fungi along that route pretty soon. Of course, I would not hesitate to take pictures to share. Until then, have a fantastic Friday, frens!
All pictures are my own. 14032025/07:40ph
