Sweet Knot

Globifomes graveolens

Description:

Perennial. Growths begin as a cluster of 10-or-so brackets, approximately the size of Trametes versicolor brackets (image not available). ‘Colonies’ gradually grow in the number of almost-horizontal brackets. Mature colonies form a ‘knot’ of overlapping brackets. Mature knots are approximately 3-4 inches wide, and occur as individual knots or knots growing adjacent to others. Cross-section of knot shows pores; pore depth, up to 3mm. Pore density: 3-4 pores/mm In dormant phase, knots are gray with a brownish tone in sunlight and a purplish tone in shade. Brackets are ‘collapsed’ over each other; lobes leathery with a leathery texture and stiff, not particularly flexible. Fruiting: September-November (in Barrow County, GA) Fruiting sequence: Brackets begin to fruit (Week 1) by turning gray-white, multi-lobed growth with a discontinuous white pore surface. Week 2. Brackets turn brown with bright white margins. The tops of brackets have a ‘metallic’ rusty iron-colored surface. Pore surfaces are still white (immature). Week 3. The white margins of brackets begin to dull. Pore surfaces are turning gray as they mature. Week 4. The bracket margins continue to darken. Pore surfaces have darkened considerable and are probably mature. Week 5. The bracket margins are almost completely brown. Pore surfaces are unchanged from Week 4.