What is a Conk?

Conks are fungi of the ganoderma family. Also known as bracket or shelf mushrooms, they are found on dead or dying hardwood trees. Reaching sizes as large as twenty-four inches across, these perennials may live up to fifty years.

When harvested and dried, conks become light in weight, yet extremely hard. Their cream colored surface may be carved, wood burned, sketched on, or primed and painted.