Hello Hivers....

This post is my entry for a macro photography contest hosted by @photofeed. If you'd like to enter, please read and follow the rules here

The wood fungus seen in the photo I'm sharing is a type of polypore fungus, commonly known as a bracket fungus. This fungus typically grows attached to dead tree trunks in tropical and subtropical forests. Its distinctive feature is its cup- or fan-shaped fruiting body, with a glossy upper surface covered in a beautiful reddish-brown color, making it look like a work of nature's art. These colors come from natural pigments that also help protect the fungus from excessive sunlight and other microorganisms.

Wood fungi play a crucial ecological role as primary decomposers. They help decompose dead wood and other organic matter, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil. This decomposition process is vital to the sustainability of the forest cycle, maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem balance. Furthermore, some species of wood fungi produce bioactive compounds with potential medical and pharmaceutical uses, such as antimicrobials and antioxidants.

Despite their attractive shapes and colors, these fungi are not always edible. Most are harsh, bitter, or even toxic to humans. Nevertheless, their presence remains important as indicators of environmental health and biodiversity. For nature observers and photographers, wood fungi are also fascinating subjects due to their unique shapes and highly photogenic color patterns, as seen beautifully in this photo.

Important Note: I wrote in Indonesian, then translated it using Google Translate.

Regards @yayan