Mears Bush
Plants at Mears Bush
Fungus
Harakeke
Bracket Fungus shelving on a tree
Scientific name: Fomes hemitephrus
Common name: Bracket fungus
Maori name: Putawa
Together with germs, Fungi are responsible for breaking down fresh food matter and releasing carbon, oxygen and nitrogen into the soil and gases. Fungi are extremely important. to many households and industrial processes, notably the making of bread, wine and certain cheeses. Bracket fungus is part of the polyporales fungus family. Bracket fungus's Māori name is putawa fungus
Harakeke - Flax
Scientific Name: Phormium Tenax
Common Name: Flax
Maori Name: Harakeke
Harakeke is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive native plants. It is not botanically a flax but a member of a day-lily family. It has a long, upright and often stiff leaves which can reach up to 4 meters in length.
Close up view of bracket fungus
Some great facts about Bracket fungi
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Bracket fungus is also named shelf fungus
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Bracket fungus plays a really interesting part by decomposing wood by breaking down cellulose and in some other cases also lignin.
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Bracket fungus is part of the polyporales fungi family.
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Bracket fungus can feel leathery or woody
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You can find bracket fungus on the stump of a tree and old logs but also living one as well
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Bracket fungus is found in mature forests like Mears Bush!
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Bracket fungus lives on the tree unlit the tree is removed or treated
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Bracket fungus can age/grow up to 50-70 years.
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If you remove a bracket fungus off of a tree the decomposition will continue inside.
Harakeke in flower.
Harakeke fibers are used in Maori craft for weaving to create baskets, floor mats and cloaks as well as ropes. Today it is also used in creative arts in its natural state or dyed.