Pseudosclerotic plates of Kretzschmaria deusta

On a red horse chestnut (Aesculus x carnea) that was felled today, I had the opportunity to look at the pseudosclerotic plates of the Kretzschmaria deusta colonisations around the base. As expected, they were certainly rather beautiful, and I have included a few images below to show exactly this. The black lines signal the extent of specific mycelial colonies within the wood structure, and as a group they are quite sublime. Natural art!

Colonising right up to near the periphery of the available wood substrate. The chestnut has not at all compartmentalised the decay, which is still in its early stages.

A view of the near the centre of the tree, around 50cm up from the base. Looks like part of a world map!

A closer look at the fictitious counties of the country of Kretzland.

A few isolated areas of more sound wood, amongst a sea of decaying wood. Perhaps other fungi already exist in those areas.

A lovely flower!

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