I tend to agree that we could come ‘from space’. I look at something like a waterbear and how difficult the bugger is to kill and think to myself “that’s an alien”.
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I was going to mention the water bear in that post on pan spermia.
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You will see why Paul is one of my favorite humans. He has a Netflix show or two. Ted talks. Joe Rogan appearances ect. He tried to clean up the BP oil spill with mushrooms… but our government decided to sink the oil to the bottom of the gulf with soap instead…
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I’m now following Paul Stamets on YouTube.
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I just like saying Chaga.
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I like finding Chaga, more. Just scored some today. Finally!
Driving a local two track and there it was, on a Birch tree leaning over the road. One clump about 4ft off the ground and another about 7 ft off the ground.
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Btw, Wenotme, do you recognize this? It’s hard and doesn’t just pull of.
I wondering if its a burl, or a fungus?
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That looks like a burl yes. Chaga is orangeish in color in the inside and charcoal black on the outside. Chaga doesnt usually pull off easy because it is very woody. You are supposed to harvest chaga in the early winter to give the tree time to heal before spring. Otherwise you can kill the tree.
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I call my MIL Chaga Khan because she’s always looking for it. 
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Yeah, I found some the same day I took those pictures.
My next target is Reishi.
I now have Chaga, Birch Polypore, Miatake, and Turkey Tail, dried and jarred.
I also know why Chaga is so prized and Birch Polypore, isn’t. Chaga tea tastes much better.
I got this (last) Saturday.
It was in my ex’s side yard. There was over 50 pounds. I took about 10.
She also had Turkey Tail, and Artists Conk.
Yes, that was my old house.
Funny story. When our youngest was about 3, he got into the Miatake around that tree and ate a bunch. We induced vomiting.
I don’t have the heart to tell him.
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I don’t think so. I have seen a lot of tawney funnels over the last few weeks. But they can vary in appearance.
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/lepista-flaccida.php
I found this interesting as well.
Hmmm!
“LEPISTA FLACCIDA FOR USE IN THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE DUE TO NON-SENSE MUTATION”.
Seems like that could be useful around here?
Thank you, btw!
We shall add it to the mycelium in the back yard.
I think any true lions fan believes in nonsense
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Here is a link to paper showing possible cancer applications
Brother, have I got some studying to do. I’m learning, but, even with my 3 field guides and online info (much of it, contradictory) I’m still having a tough time identifying a lot of mushrooms (especially gilled).
Blewits scare the crap out of me.
I’m getting comfortable with polypores, and found some Black Trumpets a few days ago, puffballs… the easy ones.
I have to find a group in this area to go out with.
The trials and tribulations of a newly serious mushroom hunter.
It’s so frustrating. I know I’m leaving edibles and medicinals in the woods, but, I’m just not willing to take chances.
Just got back from hunting (shrooms), found a bunch of gold, ground dwelling polypores, and more of what I believe to be Tawny’s. Brought them home to scrutinize, and hopefully use the dehydrator I bought yesterday.
It would be my luck that I picked a bunch of the one poisonous polypore.
Hunted them many weekends at college in the 70s
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