Q.Kill A Fungus On A Dead Eucalyptus Stump?
We use a a large dead eucalyptus stump as a seating area. How can I kill the fungus that continues to grow, and how do I seal the the wood?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Well, this is interesting, and unfortunate! While the species Leatiporus is regarded as edible... It will not be from this wood. It is not safe to consume fungi growing from this wood source.
At this point, seeing a mature fruiting body, the wood will not be able to be saved. The mycelium is well within the wood, causing a brown rot. This will cause the wood to crumble, eventually.
You will be looking at replacing this wood, unfortunately.
Should you decide to take a culture or spores and make an attempt at growing them, you can switch the culture to a different wood source, such as Oak fuel pellets. They will, then, be safe for consumption. Just not on the current wood source. That is no good. Otherwise, when growing in the proper substrate, these make a wonderful chicken substitute. Please do not eat them from Eucalyptus wood, though.