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Garden Word of the Day
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Conks are woody, shelf-like structures produced by some fungi. These fruiting bodies are often seen on trees and they can indicate fungal diseases, such as canker rot or butt rot. Polypores Conks are the reproductive form of a large group of fungi known as polypores. Polypores are mostly found in the bark, trunks, and branches of trees, though some are found in the soil. Polypores play major roles in the decomposition of wood, so their presence often indicates decay. Polypores are also important in nutrient cycling, so they aren’t all bad. This is a large, diverse group but they all have conks in common. The conk clan This group is defined, not by genetics, but by growth behavior, so it is very diverse. The most common types of conks include:
Conk structure Also known as bracket fungi, or shelf fungi, this group (Basidiomycota) produces circular, shelf-shaped fruiting bodies that can appear in rows, columns, or singly. Basidiomycetes are the only fungi known to break down lignin. Lignin is what makes trees rigid and hard. The disease that accomplishes this feat is known as white rot. Some conks are annuals while others are perennials, some of which can live for 80 years or more. In either case, they tend to be tough, leathery, sturdy growths. These growths produce spores, called basidiospore, in pores found on the underside of the conk. Conks appear to grow directly out of the wood on which the fungi feed. If you were to cut one open and look at it closely, you would see two layers: a tube layer and a supporting layer. The tubes are honeycomb-like structures lined with a spore-forming surface, called the hymenium, and the supporting structure creates the shelf and its attachment to the tree. The problem with conks is that their presence indicates that some sort of fungi has taken up residence in your tree. If your tree has conks, the first step is to identify the type. Some fungi are worse than others. Preventing fungal conks The fungi that produce conks generally enter trees through mechanical wounds, damaged roots, broken or rubbing branches, frost cracks, sunburn damaged bark, and improper pruning. Fungal spores travel on the wind, rain, and on birds and insects, so keeping your tree’s protective outer layer intact is the best prevention. This means you should:
If you have a tree with conks, you should probably contact a certified arborist. They can inspect the tree for structural integrity and to determine the extent of the infection.
Conks may look cool, but you don’t want them on your trees.
4 Comments
Jim Maley
11/15/2019 08:41:28 am
Mostly see in woods and some like Sulphur Shelf (aka Chicken of the Woods) pretty good to eat. Most are medicinal especially Turkey Tail. You are right though that if on your prized trees, it signals problems and the tree can be in trouble.
Reply
Kate Russell
11/16/2019 05:13:43 am
Hi, Jim!
Reply
olivia solomon
10/19/2020 08:01:11 pm
I have conk growing on the stump of a big leaf maple tree that was removed 6 years ago. I'm concerned that it will spread to other tree on my property. how to eradicate?
Reply
Kate Russell
10/21/2020 07:25:57 am
Hi, Olivia.
Reply
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