Weird fungus identification

julieib · #1 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 12:33 PM

Hi,

We have a weird fungus coming up through the carpet in our summer house. Can anyone help to identify it and let us know what we can do about it ?

We used to have a massive Ash Tree where our summer house now stands, and this fungus looks like the growth that used to come back every year around the base of it. It was very rubbery and would come off (eventually, if we worked at it) in a solid lump. No-one seemed able to identify it. We were eventually advised to cut the Ash Tree down but the Tree Surgeon couldn't take the stump out, as it was too big. We then decided to build a large concrete base over it and put up a summer house. However, unbelievably, that same weird fungus has appeared coming up through our carpet !!

Any ideas ?

Thanks, Julie

FungiJohn · #2 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieib

Hi,

We have a weird fungus coming up through the carpet in our summer house. Can anyone help to identify it and let us know what we can do about it ?

We used to have a massive Ash Tree where our summer house now stands, and this fungus looks like the growth that used to come back every year around the base of it. It was very rubbery and would come off (eventually, if we worked at it) in a solid lump. No-one seemed able to identify it. We were eventually advised to cut the Ash Tree down but the Tree Surgeon couldn't take the stump out, as it was too big. We then decided to build a large concrete base over it and put up a summer house. However, unbelievably, that same weird fungus has appeared coming up through our carpet !!

Any ideas ?

Thanks, Julie

Hi Julie and welcome to WAB.

Your fungus could well be Laetiporus sulphureus.

However without a picture or a good description of the fungus, it is difficult to say more.

btw it is quite common for some fungi to uplift material ... even concrete!

John

julieib · #3 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 02:47 PM

Hi John,

Thanks for the welcome. I've had a look at Laetiporus sulphureus, but it doesn't look like it. I've had a look at some others too and it looks sort of like Inonotus Dryadeus (if that makes sense to you).

I've taken a few pictures and it's growing at an alarming rate !! Can I just attach them to this email without them going into the Gallery ?

Best regards,
Julie

FungiJohn · #4 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieib

Hi John,

Thanks for the welcome. I've had a look at Laetiporus sulphureus, but it doesn't look like it. I've had a look at some others too and it looks sort of like Inonotus Dryadeus (if that makes sense to you).

I've taken a few pictures and it's growing at an alarming rate !! Can I just attach them to this email without them going into the Gallery ?

Best regards,
Julie

Hi Julie

Yes, that makes sense. From what you say it's very likely to be Inonotus hispidus, especially on Ash!

To upload your images look here:

How do I upload images? | Wild About Britain

If you have any problems uploading please let me know.

John

julieib · #5 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 04:42 PM

Hi John,

Photos as promised...

Let me know if you have any problems viewing them.

Thanks,
Julie

FungiJohn · #6 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julieib

Hi John,

Photos as promised...

Let me know if you have any problems viewing them.

Thanks,
Julie

Hi Julie

That is some fungus! and it looks like the young fruiting body stage too.

Inonotus hispidus is quite rare and I'm not sure from the images if this is actually that fungus.

I'm sure others will make comment but it does appear quite serious. You should certainly seek professional advice with respect to dealing with it.

Just to clarify Julie, does the fungus appear to be weeping water droplets? This would certainly indicate Inonotus Dryadeus

John

julieib · #7 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 05:35 PM

Hi John,

Not as far as I can tell, or at least not in abundance. As the pictures show, it seems fairly smooth.

Do you know who we could contact for professional / expert advice on how to deal with (and get rid of) it ?

Best regards,
Julie

FungiJohn · #8 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 05:50 PM

Hi Julie

In normal cases of 'dry rot' and moulds you need to contact your local council or environmental health officer. I say normal but this is quite different in my opinion. However this would be my first call.

If they can't deal with it, they should at least have a contact for someone else who can help.

It's also worth waiting to hear what others have to say on this matter ... and I'm sure they will.

It may sound odd but contacting your local press may be a good idea too! It could well bring in help from the right source quickly.

John

Chris Yeates · #9 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 06:42 PM

at this stage I don't think this could be identified other than in the lab looking at its DNA
it's possible that Melanie might have some pertinent comments - she is an architect after all

Chris

SheffieldLass · #10 (**permalink**) 24-07-2009, 07:17 PM

I'm wondering if it is dry rot .... is there any ventilation between the timber floor of the summer house and the concrete slab? If ventilation is very restricted it can cause ideal conditions for dry rot to grow. Or is the carpet directly on the concrete? In which case it would probably be something else. Dry rot is a rot of coniferous wood primarily ...

By the way dry rot Serpula lacrymans also weeps tears ...