Tufted bracket fungus
None.
Broadleaved species (namely oak).
Generally found at the base of mature trees in between buttresses – sometimes on burrs.
Perennial . Tough and woody. Often small though can become quite large, after some years. Upper surface is velvety brown – stained algal green, on mature brackets (photo a). Fresh growth gold-orange and velvety. Pore layer red-brown. Tubes irregularly shaped. In senescence , fruiting bodies are a dark purplish-brown with algal greening.
Fomes fomentarius; Ganoderma australe; Phellinus robustus; Phylloporia ribis.
Very rarely observed in England – more common in central and southern Europe. When found, its presence should be officially recorded. Research suggests it is parasitic (can colonise sapwood ) and is attributed with a selective white rot of the butt of its host. Where this fungus is identified, investigations into hollowness should therefore be undertaken, prior to considering pruning options. Due to rarity, the stem should be retained, if the tree is removed, to prolong the fungus’ ability to sporulate.