Since today is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, it seems worthwhile to look at this month's Fungus of the Month, TU,TU,ELEḴEP ("two two ah-leh-kehp" - you can hear the pronunciation here) from the perspective of the SENĆOŦEN-speaking peoples, who would have been among the first to name and know the fungi of Salt Spring Island.

"TU,TU,ELEḴEP" describes any woody bracket fungus that grows on trees, like this Fomitopsis mounceae observed by dianalynn1.

According to Nancy J Turner's wonderful Saanich Ethnobotany, it means "echo", named because the hard upper surface of the fungus echoes back the voice of someone who yells in the woods. Here's another one, observed by katemckeown.

This fungus is too tough and woody to be edible, but its echoing qualities were useful. For example, if placed over a doorway, the fungus protected those who lived in the household from malicious rumours and evil thoughts by "answering" them on behalf of the people who lived there.

Observed by enspring.

Mushroom season here is just getting going now, with the return of the rains. Happy spotting!