Banded polypore

Description:

These banded polypores were on a dying tree. Part of the tree was still standing and part of it was on the ground which made it easy to see the polypores. They feel leathery to almost woody and are gray and black banded with a hard smooth surface underside. The largest measured about 8 inches across and 5 inches high. Banded polypores are commonly seen in North America's coniferous forest regions of the northern hemisphere. It is a major factor in the production of brown rot residues that are a stable soil component in coniferous forest ecosystems.

Habitat:

These banded polypores were spotted in a forest at Crooked River State Park, St Marys, Georgia.