Large yellow bracket fungi for ID

tigger · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 07:44 AM

While visiting a garden on a badger group visit I came across a very large bracket fungi growing on what I think is a conifer tree stump. The lady who owned the garden said it appears every year, and grows even larger than this.

This one was approx 1 week old and measured 8 in (over 20cm) wide by 6 in (over 15 cm) width - and was an intense sulphur yellow. Some years there are more than one bracket.

I've looked this up in my fungi book but can't find anything getting this big.

Any suggestions?

Cheers. Jane

fairplay · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 07:50 AM

Almost certainly a rare occurrence of Laetiporus sulphureus on a conifer.

Kew need to know if so.

Neil.

fairplay · #3 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 08:26 AM

On second thoughts, there is a good possibility this stump is YEW and not what most people would consider to be a conifer.

If so, then Sulphur Polypore does turn up on Yew from time to time (and this is when it is strongly advised not to eat it).

Neil.

tigger · #4 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 08:51 AM

Yes, I think you're right - it could be yew. Which would fit with Laetiporus sulphureus (Polyporus sulphureus).

Many thanks for your help - I will let the owner know! Especially as she has two small children.

Cheers. Jane

flaxton · #5 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 11:25 AM

Don't get too hung up about the tag "poisonous" in this case. The children are hardly likely to collect it and then sit down to a meal of "Chicken of the Wood" fricassee. Unless they have a habit of eating large amounts of things in the garden just let them see and appreciate fungi.

Mal

tigger · #6 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 11:32 AM

Oh don't worry I'm not ... they love their fungi (the kids have even given it a name!). They are fascinated by the way it grows every day and that is only to be encouraged - I think it's become quite a talking point at school.

However, kids can be inquisitive (especially the 4-6 age group) and best to let them know that fungi "can" be poisonous - in case they start playing with it (or see other smaller fungi which they might put in their mouth and have a quick chew on...).

Cheers. Jane

flaxton · #7 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 11:35 AM

That sounds perfect.

MAl

Chris Yeates · #8 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigger

However, kids can be inquisitive (especially the 4-6 age group) and best to let them know that fungi "can" be poisonous - in case they start playing with it (or see other smaller fungi which they might put in their mouth and have a quick chew on...).

Cheers. Jane

if it is a yew, there's other things to worry about than dirty great brackets after all . . . .

Chris

tigger · #9 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 12:50 PM

It's only a stump - no longer alive. Only about 3ft of the stump left unfortunately.

Cheers. Jane

fairplay · #10 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 03:36 PM

I think it was Nick Legon (ex KEW) who mentioned a few years ago on WAB, that it is not advisable to eat Chicken of the Woods when it is growing on Yew.

How toxic it can become I have no idea. Some people are 'allergic' to CotW no matter what it grows on.

Glad to hear the kids are enjoying seeing the fungus grow.

Neil.