Which Bracket Fungus is this?

[julia.julibob]

I found this on Sunday. It is growing on the base of a huge ancient oak tree, and it is about 12" wide. It has crazing on the top of it, so I assume it is quite old.



Julia

[CapAndBracket]

Ganoderma resinaceum, maybe. (why don't i find these)

Cheers J.P.

[KeenTeen17]

agreed with JP. very nice find indeed

[julia.julibob]

Thank you for that? Is it a common fungus? I have never seen one that big before. I found another one today, further along the field. Older, but this one was about 16" wide!! Here is a pic of it that I took on my camera phone.



Julia

[Andy Overall]

Originally Posted by julia.julibob

Thank you for that? Is it a common fungus? I have never seen one that big before. I found another one today, further along the field. Older, but this one was about 16" wide!! Here is a pic of it that I took on my camera phone.



Julia

Hi Julia,

Ganoderma resinaceum is said to be 'Occasional but widespread England' in the Checklist of the British & Irish Basidiomycota. I see it quite frequently here in London and the surrounding environs. I believe it is more prominent in South East England and therefore its not unusual to find it in Kent. It is a stunning looking fungus hey? When young and emerging from the tree, to me it resembles newly baked bread. As it matures it forms a resinaceus layer on the surface, giving the fungus that lovely red colour on the surface. Enjoy.

Andy

[kiltoncomp]

Originally Posted by Andy Overall

Hi Julia,

Ganoderma resinaceum is said to be 'Occasional but widespread England' in the Checklist of the British & Irish Basidiomycota. I see it quite frequently here in London and the surrounding environs. I believe it is more prominent in South East England and therefore its not unusual to find it in Kent. It is a stunning looking fungus hey? When young and emerging from the tree, to me it resembles newly baked bread. As it matures it forms a resinaceus layer on the surface, giving the fungus that lovely red colour on the surface. Enjoy.

Andy

it does not seem to be that common up here in the wilds of Nottinghamshire Andy,
i must have looked at almost every oak in sherwood and clumber without spotting this one yet, (bet fungijohns found a few though) it would seem that according to your information above that JP has a much better chance of finding this one , as he is a bit further south, good luck JP,

Brian.

[Andy Overall]

Originally Posted by kiltoncomp

it does not seem to be that common up here in the wilds of Nottinghamshire Andy,
i must have looked at almost every oak in sherwood and clumber without spotting this one yet, (bet fungijohns found a few though) it would seem that according to your information above that JP has a much better chance of finding this one , as he is a bit further south, good luck JP,

Brian.

Here's a nice pic of an immature specimen, which often reminds me of freshly baked bread.




Andy

[julia.julibob]

Both Ganoderma resinaceum I have seen, have older rotting ones above or underneath, and the newer ones are obviously quite old, so when are the new ones likely to emerge. I would love to make it a regular walk with the dog, and make a photograaphic diary of it's growth!

Julia

[Andy Overall]

Originally Posted by julia.julibob

Both Ganoderma resinaceum I have seen, have older rotting ones above or underneath, and the newer ones are obviously quite old, so when are the new ones likely to emerge. I would love to make it a regular walk with the dog, and make a photograaphic diary of it's growth!

Julia

This is an annually occurring species and often begins to fruit early summer-summer time, June - August time would be a good time to take a look in the sites where you have previously seen it but also on other trees. Oak trees are favorite but I've seen it on other trees such as Willow and Beech.

Andy