Fungus identification

[karnak]

Could someone please identify this fungus which appeared overnight on a dead Alder tree in my garden. It surrounds the base of the tree and is tending to grow upwards as well. It is a very attractive fungus with lovely colouring. I have searched various sites to try and find what it is but without success.
Many thanks.

[thelawnet]

a photo would help. Failing that, a description. Are they attached to the tree, or on the ground around it, what colour is it, does it have a stipe (stem) - if so, what colour is it, can you describe it (smooth, hairy, etc.). Does it have gills or pores? etc.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi karnak,

You forgot to add the image to your post

However, I found it in the Image Lbrary, and think that your fungus is one of the Honey Fungus (Armillaria) species.
Regards,
Mike.

[karnak]

I do apologise for not having inserted a photo, I thought I had attached the image, but obviously I hadn't.
Lancashire Lad is quite right I had downloaded it to the Image Gallery, but why it is not included in my posting I do not know.
I will try to add it to this message.

Hopefully this has come out OK.

[TeresaW]

Watching this one closely, because I found some this afternoon just like these.

[TeresaW]

I suspect it's Honey Fungus - Armillaria mellea

[Chris Yeates]

Originally Posted by TeresaW

I suspect it's Honey Fungus - Armillaria mellea

agreed: and it's possible that if you have it in your garden you may not find it 'very attractive' after a while . . .

best wishes

Chris

[TeresaW]

Cheeky I know, but here's mine...

[fairplay]

Attention Karnak & Teresa.

In case you are not aware of the seriousness of Honey Fungus in your garden (It's all part of the ecosystem in woods), then I must tell you that unless you remove the tree it is growing from, be it already dead or alive, then this will spread to the rest of your garden killing other trees and shrubs.

Removing the tree means the whole root system as well, which means a lot of digging. Think carefully where you will dispose of all the bits and pieces, take them to a household waste site or burn it somewhere safe or chuck it over the fence of your neighbour from hell (but it might then work it's way back to you)

If it kills other trees or shrubs in your garden over the next couple of years or more, do keep us informed as more peoples experiences are needed on this still little understood problem.

Neil.

[TeresaW]

Good advice Fairplay. Luckily mine were found in the woods nearby, but I can imagine what damage it can do in a garden.