The CHICKEN MUSHROOMS,” Polyporus Sulphureus” , are now showing in Pacific Spirit Park and what aPolyporus Sulphureus colourful show it is ! Its the colour that is so striking , salmon to sulphur Yellow, or its the big bright orange that attracts peoples attention i guess .

The normal Fruiting Season is from May to November and this species ranges in our part of the world ,from the Pacific North West, south to California . They seem to like to live and reproduce on on old stumps and logs that have fallen on to the forest floor . Some seem to prefer living trees that have roots close to the soil surface , they always remind me of the Yellow , Orange Pot Marigolds in my Moms Garden . I also think they look like, in colour only , the Male Bantam Chickens, that our family raised in Southlands .

I think this species and its unique habitat needs for reproduction , is a fine example of leaving trees that are blown down in storms, Eg. Stanley Park, on the Forest Floor . I also notice that this species of Mushroom is thought of by many, as some kind of Threat to our existence , the “Mushroom Vandals” as i call them, smash and kick them especially when they grow along side the trails in our parks .Walking in the Woods is some thing we all enjoy, the Chicken Mushroom is a important link in that Huge, Complex, Forest Ecosystem . Reference Book ” The Audubon Society Field Guide To North American Mushrooms ”

Terry Slack

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