Biology/Can you help identify this fungus?
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Question
I have attached an image of the fungus but i can provide a few other details too. The fungus is very firm, almost solid, it has no gills but seems to have pores of some kind. It smells sweet and perhaps a little chemically. It was found in the midlands of the UK, in a wood growing from a tree, in mid-July. After trawling the internet i can't find it any where. Any clue as to what it might be?
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Dear Kym,
I'm no mycologist, but Dr. David Janos (University of Miami Department of Biology) is, and I asked him if he could identify your mystery fungus. Here is his response:
"Hi Dana,
It is not possible for me to identify the fungus from the photo. The photo is poor, but also
I think that the fungus either may be immature, or the log it is rotting rolled, which would
cause an alteration of development and produce a rather malformed fruit body. If I had to
guess, I'd guess either the genus _Ganoderma_ or the genus _Fomes_. It might not be in either
of those genera, but that is where I would start. One really needs to look at the microscopic
characteristics of the flesh of the fruit body and of the spores to be able to identify this
group. (But, it would be better to ask someone local in the UK who might know it immediately.)
Sorry,
Dave"
Hope that helps, for what it's worth!
Dana
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Answers by Expert:
Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!
Experience
At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980).
I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.
Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.
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