this could be a prime example of how different organisms evolve into similar shapes. the scalloped edges of this bracket fungus look just like the edges of the seashell that gave us the term “scalloped.” there must be something similar about the growth pattern of bracket fungus and scallop shells that generates, in both cases, just a little bit of extra material at the outer edge, which is required to fold itself into a pretty kind of ruffle. i could have done some more research on this topic tonight, but, with our trip to france just three weeks away, i couldn’t get past the thought of scallops, known in france as coquilles st jacques, poached in white wine and served in their shells with a cream sauce. in other words, bracket fungus be damned. pass the white wine.

bracket fungi

saint paul, minnesota

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