Hymenophore configuration of the oak mazegill (Daedalea quercina)

Abstract

The complex hymenophore configuration of the oak mazegill (Daedalea quercina, Polyporales) is rarely quantified, although quantifications are important analytical tools to assess form and growth. We quantified the hymenophore configuration of the oak mazegill by manual counting of tubes and tubular branches and ends. Complementary measurements were made with the software AngioTool. We found that the number of tubular branches and ends varied substantially between specimens, with a positive correlation with hymenophore area (5-51 cm 2). We then measured complexity as tubular branches and ends per area, and complexity was not correlated with the size of the basidiocarps. Basidiocarps from two locations were compared (Hald ege, N = 11; Hvidding krat, N = 7), and the prevalence of branches and that of ends were greater in the Hvidding krat hymenophores (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). Additionally, lacunarity, a measure of complexity ("gappiness"), gave a higher score for the Hald ege hymenophores (P = 0.002). Lacunarity analysis of multiple species of Polyporales showed that the oak mazegill hymenophore is comparatively complex. Concerning factors that affect hymenophore complexity of the oak mazegill, we observed that greater hymenophore complexity was associated with abrupt boundaries between growth zones on the pileus surface. Several years of monitoring documented that basidiocarps can remodel to gravitational changes and heal from damage. In conclusion, intra-and interspecies differences of hymenophore configuration can be quantified. In oak mazegill, hymenophore complexity is not dependent on size per se, although abrupt borders between growth zones are associated with increased complexity. Some of the variation between basidiocarps may reflect aspects of the ecology of the individual fungus.

The capacity to configure the hymenophore is not confined to the pore field in Oak mazegill (Daedalea quercina, Polyporales)

“…We have previously observed that basidiocarps that are flipped will grow a new hymenophore through the old pileus (Jensen et al 2020 Mycologia). Here, we made observations on nine basidiocarps from three fallen trunk lying on the ground (Flipped trunk natural 1, N=5; Flipped trunk natural 2, N=3; Flipped trunk natural 3, N=1).…”

“…While this may be a trivial observation, it begs the question whether only the margin can configure the hymenophore. Because the hymenophore has an essential constant configuration at any part of its depth (Ames 1913 Jensen et al 2020), it could be concluded the pore field patterns a fixed configuration.…”