The magic paintbrush is a popular theme in literature and folklore. It is often depicted as a tool that has the power to bring paintings to life or grant the artist's wishes. The paintbrush is usually portrayed as having mystical qualities, allowing the user to create anything they desire with a single stroke. In many versions of the story, the paintbrush is found by a humble or struggling artist who comes across it by chance. They quickly discover its powers and use it to better their own life or help others. The magic paintbrush becomes a symbol of creativity and imagination, demonstrating the power of art to transform the world around us.
Golden blobs of cat spew on cabbages sound more likely to be the slime mould Fuligo septica, (aka Dog’s Vomit Slime or Flowers of Tan), than any of the dark-coloured Exidia jelly fungi species found growing on dead wood.
Aside from the colour, and the fact that under the microscope their spores are small and round not big and bendy , the crucial difference is that while you will find them both growing on dead deciduous wood such as fallen tree trunks or branches, they are actually parasitizing another fungus that is already decaying the wood. In the case of Tremella mesenterica , the Yellow Brain is actually growing on the mycelium of the corticioid crust fungus in the Peniophora genus, which are decomposers that manifest themselves as smooth, tough waxy patches of grey tinged with beige, red or violet, depending on the species.
The magic paintbrush becomes a symbol of creativity and imagination, demonstrating the power of art to transform the world around us. The stories involving the magic paintbrush often highlight moral themes of responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. Sometimes, the artist is faced with difficult decisions about how to use the paintbrush's powers.
Gordon Natural Area
Fungi play an enormous role in ecosystem health and function. The portion of fungal biomass that is located below-ground far exceeds that of the macrofungi (i.e., those fungi that form fruiting bodies that are observable without the use of a microscope, aka the 'visible' fungi'). Still, macrofungi can be very evident, and are often visually striking (e.g., Turkey Tail, Golden Fairy Helmets, Jack-O'Lantern Mushrooms, etc.), and are what most people think of when hearing the term fungi.
The initial mycological research at the GNA was in 2008, when Dr. Greg Turner (Department of Biology) and Lauryn Levy (one of Dr. Turner's students) conducted a fall survey of the GNA macrofungi. For the next nine years, or so, there was little focus on fungi.
Then, beginning in the summer of 2017 and continuing through the early winter of that year, GNA Student Intern Alexandra Hodowanec undertook another survey of the macrofungi at the GNA. At around the same time, Nur Ritter (the GNA Stewardship Manager) also began surveying the GNA macrofungi. This work is ongoing, with current GNA Interns Paige Vermeulen, Maribeth Beatty, and Jared Kline currently working with Dr. Ritter. And, beginning in June of 2018 local mycologist Tug DeLuce has begun helping with the project. Tug is by far the most knowledgable of the group and represents a significant upgrade in mycological knowledge for the project.
Please note that this webpage is continually being updated and anyone with an interest in this topic should check back in occasionally.
Checklist of Macrofungi Observed at the Gordon Natural Area
At this time, 197 species of 'fungi' (i.e., macrofungi and slime molds) in 140 genera and 80 families have been documented at the GNA (with samples and photos of many additonal species awaiting identification). The best-represented families are the Polyporaceae (24 species), followed by the Meruliaceae (8 species), Phanerochaetaceae (7 species), and the Hymenochaetaceae and Stereaceae (6 species each). The best-represented genera are Polyporus and Trametes (6 species each) and Stereum (5 species). Generally speaking, most families and genera were 'poorly-represented': with three-quarters (76.4%) of the 140 genera and half (50.0%) of the 80 families being represented by a single species.
Although we haven't collected any abundance data, it appears to us that the most commonly encountered and abundant species are Trichaptum biforme (Violet-toothed Polypore), Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail), Stereum ostrea (False Turkey Tail), and Stereum complicatum (Crowded Parchment). Species which are also common at the GNA but which are less abundant than the previously mentioned species are (arranged alphabetically): Auricularia auricula-judae (Jelly Ear), Coprinopsis variegata (Scaly Inky Cap), Lycoperdon pyriforme (Stump Puffball), Mycena leaiana (Golden Fairy Helmet), Pluteus cervinus (Deer Mushroom), Polyporus alveolaris (Hexagonal-pored Polypore), Polyporus varius (Elegant Polypore), Sarcoscypha occidentalis (Stalked Scarlet Cup), and Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungus).
Undoubtedly, the actual number of species of fungi at the Gordon is significantly higher than the 197 species that have been cataloged, but we really don't have a good approximation of how rich in fungi the GNA truly is. What can be said is that every time one of us goes out looking for fungi, they encounter a number of 'new' species (i.e., ones that hadn't previously been noted in the GNA).
Below, is a list of the species that have been observed at the GNA. This species list was compiled from GNA Staff fieldwork in 2017 and ongoing work in 2018, augmented by data in Levy et al. (2008; see References), and from Gerry Hertel's photos from 2010-2014. The species are organized in three 'groupings': Slime Molds (11 species); Ascomycetes (37 species); and, Basidiomycetes (149 species). Although slime molds aren't properly 'fungi', they are closely related and are often included in mycological studies, and we have chosen to include them here.
PLEASE NOTE: Much of this information has been compiled by amatuers (i.e., lovers of fungi who, in some cases, have little or no training in mycology). Hence, you should not consider these images to be a reliable source for identification. Many fungi are poisonous and you should not collect or eat any mushrooms without being absolutely certain of their identity!
Key to Symbols
Image(s) present for that species. All photos are from the GNA, unless otherwise noted. Click on a photo to view a larger version
GNA Student Intern Alexandra standing on a Box Elder (Acer negundo) limb to photograph an attached Dryad's Saddle (Polyporus squamosus).
Collaborating mycologist Tug DeLuce checking out a member of the Agrocybe praecox Cluster.
Steve Pencall, a retired research technician who organized the Saturday morning foray, said that even after 35 years of mushroom-hunting, he keeps his expectations low.
They must decide whether to use it for personal gain or for the greater good. Through these dilemmas, the artist learns valuable lessons about integrity, humility, and the importance of using their talent for positive purposes. The magic paintbrush is not limited to children's literature or folklore. It has also been used as a plot device in a variety of other genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and even horror. In these stories, the paintbrush's power can be both a blessing and a curse, often leading to unexpected and sometimes dangerous consequences. Overall, the magic paintbrush is a symbol of imagination, creativity, and the transformative power of art. It reminds us of the endless possibilities that can come from the simple act of putting brush to canvas. It encourages us to embrace our own talents and use them for good, reminding us that art has the power to change the world..
Reviews for "The Art of Magic: Exploring the Magic Paintbrush"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Magic Paintbrush". The plotline seemed promising, but the execution fell flat for me. The characters lacked depth and were quite predictable. Additionally, I found the writing style to be lackluster, failing to engage my interest. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Emily - 2 stars - "The Magic Paintbrush" was a book that I struggled to connect with. The story felt disjointed, and I found it hard to follow the events as they unfolded. The pacing was uneven, with certain parts dragging on while others were rushed. Furthermore, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. Sadly, this book was not for me.
3. Michelle - 1 star - I regret picking up "The Magic Paintbrush". The narrative was cliché, filled with tired tropes and predictable plot twists. The characters lacked depth and felt like cardboard cutouts. The author failed to create a compelling atmosphere or bring the story to life. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend to anyone.