https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/203176901
The Willow Bracket (Quhmaq) is a fungi, also known as conk, which are among the most common organisms on Earth (“Bracket Fungus - Quhmaq.”). This type being more commonly found in damp forests and helps to decompose the dead trees (“Bracket Fungus - Quhmaq.”). These types are tough and inedible for us but still have many other uses, such as enhancing chewing tobacco, other medicines, starting and transporting fires, and as a canvas for paintings (“Bracket Fungus - Quhmaq.”). These fungi have been known to cause heart rot in hardwood species found in Alaska (Mulvey). This particular type seems to be the most common and widespread which is being tracked for identification and forest health protection (Mulvey).
I couldn’t find much in the way for details of this conk, it seems to me that it might almost be an invasive species of fungi as the USDA is tracking it, but it may just be a natural part of the ecosystem here in Alaska. The fact that it can cause heart rot means that if it starts growing on a tree, it will be the death of the tree that it is growing on although I could not easily find a life cycle for the conk, I am sure that it would not be a slow death in terms of tree lifespan. The heart of the tree serves as its support structure, much the same as the studs in your house walls, if the support is destroyed the structure will fall. Not great for a tree, although such fallen trees can make room for light to reach the forest floor and return nutrients to the soil that used to be a part of the tree. The cycle of life would not end with the falling of a tree.
Works Cited
“Bracket Fungus - Quhmaq.” Alutiiq Museum, City of Kodiak, 2020, alutiiqmuseum.org/collection/index.php/Detail/word/676. Accessed 22 Mar. 2024.
Mulvey, Robin. “Region 10 - Forest & Grassland Health.” Forest Service National Website, USDA, 2023, www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r10/forest-grasslandhealth/?cid=FSEPRD989130. Accessed 22 Mar. 2024.
Observaciones
Fotos / Sonidos
Qué
Setas, Bejines Y Parientes (Clase Agaricomycetes)Observ.
d_glackinDescripción
Right next to juneau UAS campus between hiking path and roadway next to Hendrickson Building.
Comentarios
Hey! Yeah, the Willow Bracket, or Quhmaq, is a pretty interesting fungus. It's kind of cool how it has so many uses, even though it's inedible. Using it as a canvas for paintings sounds really unique! But you're right about it potentially being harmful to trees due to heart rot. It's a bit of a double-edged sword since it helps decompose dead trees but can also kill living ones.
I'm not sure if it's considered invasive in Alaska, but it does seem like it's being monitored for its impact on forest health. The life cycle of these fungi is definitely intriguing. Even though they can lead to the death of a tree, like you said, it's all part of the natural cycle. Fallen trees can create openings for new growth and return nutrients to the soil. Nature has a way of balancing things out, doesn't it?
Monitoring its spread and impact is essential for forest management and conservation efforts. It would be interesting to delve deeper into its life cycle to understand how it interacts with its environment and hosts over time. Studying such fungi can also shed light on broader ecological processes and help us manage forests more sustainably. Have you come across any specific research or studies on this fungus in Alaska?
Excellent Journal entry, Daniel, and stellar use of MLA format!
Bracket fungi can be hard to identify. You provided substantial photos, though, which is excellent. There is one bracket fungus we have in Southeast that can be identified by whether or not you can write with your nail into the soft, pale underside. I tell you this just so you know how hard identification can be, and sometimes it's a matter of learning over time about the unusual differences between species.
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