Dramatic fungus in kitchen - please ID!

[Isabel_h]

I've had a look through some books and the only contender so far seems to be something called Red-Cracking Bolete (boletus chrysenteron) but apparently that's a woodland species. This is on the skirting board in the kitchen.

The fruiting body is about 2 inches out from the wall and 4 inches across.

Location: We live in west Wales, in the Pembrokeshire National Park. Our house is quite old (1860), and it's built near a stream so it does tend to be damp. The fungus is growing in a warm, brightly lit area with a window just above.

I know mycology is something of an art but I am assuming this is quite a common/widespread species so hopefully it will be familiar to someone here.

Had to crawl under the kitchen table to get these:

[Stewy]

Can't help I'm afraid but what a location!

[AlanS]

Hello Isabel,

I fear the moderators may remove your post for direct linking to exterior images, so I shall reply quickly and hope you see it in time.

I think you are right in your identification, and if it is not Xerocomus (or Boletus) chrysenteron, then it is X. porosporus or one of the related species and doing the same thing.

It will not actually be growing from your skirting board, or from any other wood, but it looks like the mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, has found a route to grow up along the wood surface to find a good place to fruit.

The fungus is actually coming up from living tree roots - no argument about this, it is the only way this fungus functions - forming a 'mycorhiza' (a mutually beneficial partnership) with the root. Without this attachment, the fungus will not have the nutrition to allow it to fruit.

So this means you have roots growing into your foundations. The tree does not have to be a big one, it could still be young. I should also mention the small possibility that you have a rock-rose (Helianthemum or Cistus) adjacent to the house and that the fungus is associated with that. But it looks like you need to check around outside and you may need some work done to sever encroaching roots. I suggest you take advice.

Alan

[Stewy]

It would be great if they were Ceps, Straight into the frying pan in seconds!

[arvensis]

Isabel,
Welcome to WAB! Certainly an interesting first post and I would echo AlanS's post - get advice on this matter - it maybe something relatively easy to sort now but in few years time be quite a problem.

p.s I like the fact you've had a go at trying to ID the fungus in question.

Cheers, Mark

[ollyk]

Originally Posted by arvensis

Isabel,
Welcome to WAB! Certainly an interesting first post and I would echo AlanS's post - get advice on this matter - it maybe something relatively easy to sort now but in few years time be quite a problem.

p.s I like the fact you've had a go at trying to ID the fungus in question.

Cheers, Mark

Mark what is that fungus in your avatar?

[Isabel_h]

Thank you for the responses - and we do indeed have a rock-rose right outside! Good call!

I'll fix the first post if someone tells me how. Do I have ability to upload images as a new user? (I'm a bit confused and can't find the FAQ, though I'm sure there is one)

[cybershot]

Originally Posted by Isabel_h

Thank you for the responses - and we do indeed have a rock-rose right outside! Good call!

I'll fix the first post if someone tells me how. Do I have ability to upload images as a new user? (I'm a bit confused and can't find the FAQ, though I'm sure there is one)

Check out the Wild About Britain Video Guides for some excellent instruction on how to upload images into galleries and for insertion into forum topics:

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/wildlife/video_guides

David

[trufflehunter]

Looks more like Yellow Cracked Bolete (Leccinum crocipodium) to me!? Good luck

[trufflehunter]

Looks more like Yellow Cracked Bolete (Leccinum crocipodium) to me , but I,m no expert, good luck!?