Botanical Name: Laetiporus portentosus
Common Name: white punk fungus
Other Names:
Habitat A bracket fungus which grows on eucalypt trees
Distribution: South Eastern Australia - Tas, Vic and NSW in eucalypt forests, possibly into QLD too ?
Field Notes:
See also:
http://bushcraftoz.com/forums/showt...entosus-(White-punk-fungus)&p=50684#post50684
This fungus is very distinct because the fungus becomes riddled with holes, eaten into it by the larvae of … (a small, black moth, I think – there were some remains inside some of the “tunnels”).
This causes the fungi to look like a piece of sponge, and when dry it is very light – like a piece of polystyrene.
Uses:
The fungi is reportedly edible, and was used as a food by Aboriginal people; and as a medium to transport fire.
This species is realted to another species Laetiporus sulphureus which is commonly known as chicken of the woods, the chicken mushroom, or the chicken fungus, beause thay are said to taste like chicken - note this is NOT that particular species.
Common Name: white punk fungus
Other Names:
Habitat A bracket fungus which grows on eucalypt trees
Distribution: South Eastern Australia - Tas, Vic and NSW in eucalypt forests, possibly into QLD too ?
Field Notes:
See also:
http://bushcraftoz.com/forums/showt...entosus-(White-punk-fungus)&p=50684#post50684
This fungus is very distinct because the fungus becomes riddled with holes, eaten into it by the larvae of … (a small, black moth, I think – there were some remains inside some of the “tunnels”).
This causes the fungi to look like a piece of sponge, and when dry it is very light – like a piece of polystyrene.
Uses:
The fungi is reportedly edible, and was used as a food by Aboriginal people; and as a medium to transport fire.
This species is realted to another species Laetiporus sulphureus which is commonly known as chicken of the woods, the chicken mushroom, or the chicken fungus, beause thay are said to taste like chicken - note this is NOT that particular species.
