May 3, 2005
Polypores
These polypores, also known as bracket fungi, are among numerous fungus species that can be found at Fresh Pond Reservation. The visible "bracket" is a reproductive organ called a fruiting body: it can be removed without damaging the rest of the organism, which consists of a network of filaments inside the wood. Fungi such as these are a critical part of an ecosystem, decomposing dead plant material and releasing nutrients that can then be utilized by living plants.