Polypore - Maybe Dryad's Saddle?

[Lancashire Lad]

Found these today, all growing on the same dead (very dry & brittle) branch.

Largest was about 75mm across cap, and the three smaller ones about 40mm across.

They have a Dryad's saddle sort of patternation, but don't look quite right when thinking of any Dryad's that I've found previously.

I'm wondering if they might be another type of polypore that I don't have any info on.

Any ID help appreciated.


Largest.......................Largest Underside


Small No.1...................Small No.2....................Small No.3

Regards
Mike.

[Ditiola]

Hi
There are 8 species of Polyporus in the British checklist and each species can vary quite a bit in apperance giving an overlap in the macroscopical features. Quickly skimining through my photos; P. tuberaster looks the most likly candidate and is about the right size and appearence, If it is this one it should have rounded to elongated pores 0.5-2mm x 0.5-1mm.
P. squamosus has angular oval pores 0.5-1mm

Peter

[NickCantle]

I would agree with Polyporus tuberaster. It's by far the most similar Polyporus to P. squamosus, but distinguished by pore size and general size.

[Lancashire Lad]

Thanks Peter & Nick,
I think you've hit the nail on the head.
I've just got back to my books, and there's info on P.tuberaster in both Phillips & Jordan. I'm now sure that's what it is.
Thanks again.
Regards
Mike.

[hamadryad]

One of the key features of the ploypores is the position of the stip in relation to its circumference, a centralised stipe always rules out squamosus, tuberaster is my vote too, good find, another on my hitlist! green with envy!