In Autumn, the growth rate of my favourite Ostreatus pleurotus fungus diminishes, prompting an exploration of indigenous forest saprophytic fungi for creative inspiration. Common to the KZN forest regions, these fungi serve as accessible models for experimentation, with due consideration given to preserving colonies within their natural habitat.
One such saprophytic specimen, Ganoderma applanatum (35cm x 26cm x2cm), was discovered in Kloof (KZN) during April. Its upper surface, characterized by a gnarled texture and a cinnamon hue resembling red ochre, exhibits a subdued presence. The soft beige undersurface, with its velvety texture and porous structure, has previously dispersed millions of spores, and can now be inscribed to manifest as brown bruising .
Notably, during autumn, spores have been lost from the bracket, leading to its desiccation and subsequent shrinkage; however, the cyclic renewal unfolds in spring with the formation of new fruiting bodies or layers on decaying logs (Kuo, 2018).
One such saprophytic specimen, Ganoderma applanatum (35cm x 26cm x2cm), was discovered in Kloof (KZN) during April. Its upper surface, characterized by a gnarled texture and a cinnamon hue resembling red ochre, exhibits a subdued presence. The soft beige undersurface, with its velvety texture and porous structure, has previously dispersed millions of spores, and can now be inscribed to manifest as brown bruising .
Notably, during autumn, spores have been lost from the bracket, leading to its desiccation and subsequent shrinkage; however, the cyclic renewal unfolds in spring with the formation of new fruiting bodies or layers on decaying logs (Kuo, 2018).
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Photo: Michael Kuo. Ganoderma applanatum.
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Photo: Moore, 2024.. Ganoderma applanatum.
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Moore, 2024. (Re)presence. Tatooed into a Ganoderma specimen. (35cm x 26cm x 2cm)
The notion of tattooing this undersurface holds artistic appeal, envisioning the incorporation of colors akin to human flesh tattoos. Historically, objects carved from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma applanatum were interred with shamans to safeguard them in the afterlife, underscoring a cultural significance in the depiction of death and decay (Prime, 2024).
The choice of tattooed imagery on this specimen, depicting Ostreatus pleurotus, symbolizes Ostreatus' evanescence from physical existence to memory, now (re)presented through artistic expression and photographic documentation. Link to reference master. |