This species may be found growing in eucalyptus trees. It’s a polypore, and is saprophytic. After rain, it can become so saturated that the added weight causes it to fall to the ground. Once it’s dried out, it resembles a lump of polystyrene foam.
In this artwork I have also included a white throated treecreeper as there have been sightings of this bird eating the fungus (or perhaps the insects and bugs burrowed inside it).
I first came across this species while watching Alison Pouliot’s series ‘The Forgotten Kingdom’. I thought it would be a great one to include, as it’s a bit different to standard fungi species that might first come to mind.
You can watch the video below:
I also thought that its use as a form of tinder by Indigenous peoples was a great example of the versatility and diverse uses of fungi.
You can read a bit more about it here:
- https://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/aboriginal.html
- http://australianfungi.blogspot.com/2007/09/26-laetiporus-portentosus.html
And some more general resources:
INGRID BARTKOWIAK 