Mushroom Weekend in the Botanical Garden Erlangen: Experience Tree Polypores
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Tree Polypores: Natural Forms Between Science and Aesthetic Experience
From October 1 to 4, 2026, the Botanical Garden of Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg invites you to an exhibition about the diversity of native mushroom species. The focus is on tree polypores, whose unusual fruiting bodies tell stories about ecological cycles, aging trees, and the long relationship between fungi and humans.
Diversity of Forms, Colors, and Living Structures
The exhibition atmosphere in the entrance area of the greenhouses opens up a concentrated examination of natural history specimens. Console-shaped, hoof-like, and light fruiting bodies show an astonishing variety of shapes and colors. Their surfaces resemble natural sculptures and connect the aesthetic experience directly with scientific observation.
Polypores as Architects of the Forest
The exhibition illustrates the ecological importance of fungi. Some species inhabit weakened or old trees, while others develop on dead wood. As important wood decomposers, they return nutrients bound in wood to the natural cycle. This makes the mushroom exhibition a vivid introduction to biodiversity, forest ecology, and sustainable nature observation.
From the Shimmering Polypore to the Birch Polypore
The Dripping Shimmering Polypore is notable for the droplets of liquid on its surface when young and is primarily found on old oaks. The Tinder Fungus forms large, firm, and often hoof-shaped fruiting bodies. Its historical significance lies in its former use as tinder for starting fires. The Birch Polypore grows almost exclusively on birches and, with its long history, also reminds us of the use of fungi by humans.
Guided Tour, Identification Workshop, and Excursion
The accompanying program expands the exhibition with offerings in cultural and scientific education. A guided tour through the exhibition and Botanical Garden will take place on October 1, 2026, with Diana Härpfer. On October 3, an identification workshop will introduce visitors to the world of fungi. A mushroom excursion in the Sebalder Reichswald will conclude the event on October 4. Both the workshop and excursion cost 12 euros each and require registration.
Conclusion: Discover a Live Art Experience of Nature
The Mushroom Weekend combines research, teaching, ecological education, and immediate nature experience. Visitors experience an exhibition where installation, sculpture, and material effects serve as sensual comparisons to the world of mushroom forms. Those wishing to discover the hidden architecture of the forest, the aesthetics of organic structures, and the significance of polypores for the natural household should visit this exhibition in person.
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- Website: https://www.botanischer-garten.fau.de/2026/09/09/pilz-wochenende-im-botanischen-garten/
