Day 44: Got your Thanksgiving turkey? I've got the tail! Trametes versicolor is a highly variable species, but it is the one which gives the "turkey-tail" fungi their generic name. It is the one "true" Turkey-Tail; all others are merely capitalizing on its fame. It is quite common in the Pacific Northwest, but there are several look-alikes just waiting to confuse you.
So how do you tell if your turkey-tail is real Turkey-Tail? Why, by putting it through a Turkey-Tail Test, of course! One on-line mycological reference gives the criteria:
1) Does it have pores on the lower surface?
2) Are there 3 or more pores in the span of one millimeter?
3) Is the upper surface velvety or faintly hairy?
4) Is the upper surface some colour other than white or grey?
5) Is the colouration zonal?
6) Is the fungus flexible and thin?
In summary, if you've answered yes to all these questions, the fungus in your hand may be green, brown or even orange, but it's a Turkey-Tail. Mind those pores, though...put a hand lens and a good ruler in your field kit. You'll need them.
And Happy Turkey-Day from Lichenopolis!
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