Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Oak Polypore

Facts
Common Name: 
Oak Polypore
Scientific Name: 
Piptoporus quercinus
Cap Diameter (mm): 
Up to 200mm
Cap or Bracket Thickness (mm): 
5mm
Information
Description: 

This rare but widespread fungus causes a brown rot of the heartwood of mature or dead oak trees.

Distribution: 

In the U.K. this species has only been recorded in England, from Yorkshire to Sussex.

Habitat: 

This fungus occurs on the limbs and trunks of living or dead veteran oak trees or on fallen heartwood. Typical habitats include medieval forests, deer parks, wood pasture and wooded commons.

Cap: 

The stemless bracket-like fruit bodies have a smooth upper surface, which feels velvety when young. As the fruit body matures, pores develop on the underside, and the colour changes from white to pale-yellow and then brown with a white border in mature specimens.