Just an example of one of the very variable fungi in the genus
Trametes.
Trametes versicolor often goes under the vernacular name of 'Turkeytail'
Taken using an Olympus C5050Z
A good example of an interesting and colourful fungus, Peter.
Two questions for you:
Are the patterns of lines similar to the growth rings in wood?
When growing on living trees do they do them any harm?
Cheers.
Philip
With Bracket fungus each ring does represent one growth season, so much in the way rings on trees are. Most fungi only start to grow on trees that already have some issues, they tend to be on trees that already have some damage or rot. Some types of fungi will then increase teh rate of rot and damage to the tree.
Peter, you've changed!
It seemed possible that the lines were growth related, and fungi often seem to be linked with rotting things. So thank you for the interesting answers, Craig, which both went along my lines of thinking.
Cheers.
Philip