This Turkey Tail fungus is growing nicely on an old wooden garden table. The fungus contains a chemical called Polysaccharide-K (PSK), which is used in some countries as a medicinal / alternative-medicinal compound in treating immune deficiencies and some cancers. It’s a pretty common dead-wood fungus growing right around the northern hemisphere.
Found these dead-wood fungi during a very scenic Christmas walk around Snowshill Manor. King Alfred’s Cakes are found on dead Beech, Ash or Birch branches, and were used a prehistoric firelighters - as they smoulder slowly it’s believed they were used by stone age man to transport fires from one camp to another. The stripey Turkey Tail is another fungus commonly found on rotting hardwood stumps. This fungus also has its uses, in Chinese medicine where it is believed to boost the immune system and even have anti-carcinogenic properties.
Passionate about nature, based in Gloucestershire UK; this site is about creating a wildlife friendly family garden and exploring the diversity of animal & plant species that share it with us.
As a nature lover and wildlife gardener I started wondering about the biodiversity in my backyard and just how many species from plants to insects to birds to mammals might live in or visit it.
Much of the wildlife in my small, village garden has been present right under my nose for years without my really appreciating it, so on the way I am learning a lot about different species and how to make a wildlife-friendly environment for them; also getting engaged more in conservation activities around Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.
My garden species tally started from zero on June 1st 2018, the target is 1000 species - let's see where it goes.
I'm very interested in your comments & advice: whether it's about the blog, some help with identification or just how to make my own little Eden better for wildlife. So please leave a comment or drop me a line if you feel like it!
Graham Tompsett
microedenproject@gmail.com
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