Schizophyllum commune - Split Gill fungus
by Weston Westmoreland
Title
Schizophyllum commune - Split Gill fungus
Artist
Weston Westmoreland
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Schizophyllum commune, Split Gill fungus.
Seen from above, this is just another small white bracket-like fungus that looks like a mushroom snowed over, but beneath the cap are radial gill-like folds, each of which is centrally split - hence the common name Split Gill. These splits are a clever adaptation to changing environments.
The splits in the gills of Schizophyllum commune close over the fertile surfaces as the fruitbody shrivels during prolonged dry weather, rehydrating when moistened by rain; then the splits reopen and spores are released.
Split Gills can survive several such cycles of dehydration and rehydration, which enables thesm to thrive on every continent on earth except Antarctica.
When similar fungi appear on widely separated continents, DNA analysis shows their genetic separation is great enough to classify them as distinct species. Schizophyllum commune is one species worldwide.
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Weston Westmoreland
Uploaded
July 5th, 2021
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