Wood-Decay Fungi

Veteran tree expert and enthusiast, Jim Mullholland, walks through the 19th century Torthworth Arboretum describing some of the examples of wood-decay fungi he finds there, including `Chicken of the Woods` (Laetiporus sulphureus) and `Beefsteak Fungus` (Fistulina hepatica). Jim explains how a wood-decay fungus is classified in various different ways depending on the type of decay it causes - such as the crumbly, cubicle brown rot or the more spongy white rot that breaks down the lignin in the wood. He tells us how a fungus does not necessarily lead to the destruction of the tree; that fruiting bodies of certain fungi can be extremely useful for wildlife; and recommends a limit to the size and number of wounds on a tree so that it is less likely for decay to set in. http://tortwortharboretum.org ; http://www.ancienttreeforum.co.uk/ . An Adliberate film http://www.adliberate.co.uk for WoodlandsTV http://www.woodlands.co.uk/tv