Although the same species, this is not the same mushroom I posted as an abstract a while back. I went looking for woodland flowers this morning and not much was happening. They must be spent from their glory last year just as the Mountain Laurel was disappointing this year. When I was there three weeks ago I saw this fungus as a little pup and look at it now…a full grown gorgeous Reishi.
As mushrooms go, this qualifies as fireworks.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
I see we have Reishi here too, though I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. Hope to, though!
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They are beautiful and easily seen in the woods with those bright colors and polished sheen.
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I’ve never seen a fungus with such a polished sheen. It looks like somebody coated it with clear enamel or some similar substance.
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Thus the “varnish” moniker. Usually I find them a little older and often that sheen is a bit sticky so they can be coated with whatever is falling from above or dust if they are near enough to a road. Finding this one was a nice bit of luck.
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It does look like someone has gone along and has brushed a lick of varnish on it. Fungi is so interesting and beautiful.
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There’s always something new to discover with fungi, just like insects. There is another species in the genus that exists on hardwoods-also with a strong sheen.
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It wasn’t me! Although that is a fine coat of ‘varnish.’ It looks like a bit of sunrise or sunset was carved out and attached to the tree.
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The thought of you being the one who makes these so shiny brought this to mind. See what you can come up with for this Autumn. 🙂
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Wouldn’t it be fun to be able to do that?
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Indeed.
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