Phylloporia ribis

(Schumach.) Ryvarden

An array of mature brackets on spindle at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire.
Numerous developing resupinate fruiting bodies on spindle at Highdown Gardens, Goring-by-Sea
Senescent brackets beneath fresh brackets
Resupinate fruiting bodies beginning to develop as brackets
Brackets adorned with moss

An array of mature brackets on spindle at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Hampshire.
Numerous developing resupinate fruiting bodies on spindle at Highdown Gardens, Goring-by-Sea
Senescent brackets beneath fresh brackets
Resupinate fruiting bodies beginning to develop as brackets
Brackets adorned with moss
On roots of spindle in Hampshire, UK.
On spindle in Hampshire, UK.
On spindle in Hampshire, UK.
On spindle in Hampshire, UK.
On spindle in Hampshire, UK.

Common name

Gooseberry tinder bracket, spindle bracket.

Often found on

Hawthorn (potentially P. crataegi), spindle.

Sometimes found on

Other broadleaved genera.

Location

Growing out on the root plate (including soil) through in to the crown of the host tree.

Description

Perennial. Tough and woody. Usually in abundance and sometimes in tiers – remaining often individually small to more infrequently moderate in size (takes some years). Can have a bracket form or a resupinate form. Variable colours. Young growth (i.e. fresh) often a golden whitish to yellow-orange with a pinkish tinge – look on the underside if in bracket form. Mature growth darker golden- to tan-brown. Often mossy on the upper surface the bracket – generally also algal-stained (dark green).

Confused with

Fuscoporia torulosa (usually larger), Phellinus pomaceus (different host range).

Significance

Scant research has been done on its pathogenicity and little research has been done more broadly, due to rarity and genotypic variation between European genotypes and Asian ones. Usually signifies local dysfunction or systemic physiological decline. May be latently present (endophytic), due to its ability to colonise vast areas on declining and dead trees. Potential to therefore be a weak parasite. May cause failure local to the colonisation.