Ganoderma sp. Polypore

Description:

A lovely bracket polypore growing in native Australian eucalypt bushland. Approx 12-15 cms in diameter. Mustard yellow/brown in colour, and white pores. Only one specimen found. Most likely Ganoderma species. There are perhaps only six species in Australia, but they are very difficult to identify because they look very similar and many of their differences are on a microscopic level. Most hard, woody, shelf-like brackets found in Girraween are likely to be some sort of Ganoderma.

Habitat:

Spotted growing on a native eucalypt (Messmate - Eucalyptus Obliqua) on the Underground Creek Track, which runs along Bald Rock Creek in Girraween National Park. Dry native bushland vegetation.

Notes:

Another possibility is Laetiporus portentosus, aka White Punk, as suggested by PN Ranger, Mark Ridgway. It is a polypore species that is also found in Girraween National Park. http://www.rymich.com/girraween/index.ph...