Information Please

[ron1863]

I am new to Fungi but find them fascinating, could someone out there recommend a good pocket sized book on fungi identification.
Could you also help me with fungi age, how long do they live for. I photographed this fungi growing on a Pine tree and wondered how long it could have been growing for?

[APC]

Although not pocket sized, I REALLY recommend getting "Mushrooms" by Roger Phillips. It is the daddy of mushroom book, showing fungi at various stages of its life, in proper well good photos.

[nuttyarb]

Hi Ron
You have photographed an Heterobasidian annosum (conifer butt rot). This is an annual bracket, therefore it will desicate over late winter and new fruit bodies appear in late summer.

[ron1863]

Thanks for the advice and information. I will get the recommended book