Spalted Maple Clasp And Ambrosia Maple Pin

We have discussed ambrosia maple in other sections under the bowl descriptions. It is maple, usually soft maple, that has been invaded by the boring ambrosia beetle who brings fungus with him. The fungus turns the wood dark around the burrow, and when the fungus grows in the burrow the beetle eats is as its only food.

It is a symbiotic relationship for the fungus and the beetle, just as the good bacteria in our gut inhibits the growth of the pathogenic bacteria. While it may not do the maple tree much good, they seem to live a long time with the infestation.

As times change so do tastes. A hundred years ago if was felt that the ambrosial beetle ruined the maple. Everyone knew that maple was clear and white. Now people think that this color variation is attractive.