Have you been warned about cubical butt rot?
While it might sound like a disease you get from working 9-5 in a cubicle, brown cubical butt rot is a tree disease caused by a fungus. The aptly-named fungus breaks down the wood into distinctive cubes, typically around the roots and base (butt) of the tree. With the base of the infected tree weakened, it becomes much more likely to break off in high winds.
When the fungus reproduces, it sends up dyer's polypores - mushrooms which are used to dye fabrics a variety of colors, depending on the method of preparation.
Learn more about these fascinating fungi (and many more) by listening to the full conversation above!
KAXE's Tuesday Morning Show strives to take an in-depth look at some natural resource-based issues important to Northern Minnesota. Producer Mark Jacobs and hosts Heidi Holtan and John Latimer discuss the problems and highlight some creative solutions.
For more, subscribe to our Season Watch Newsletter or visit the Season Watch Facebook page.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
