Artist's Bracket

Description:

Ganoderma applanatum is a very common perennial bracket fungus. The underside is creamy white and can be scratched with a sharp point to leave brown marks; hence it can be used to produce artistic images - hence the common name. When it releases spores, this large bracket fungus colours the surrounding area with dense brown dust. This bracket fungus is often found near the base of or on the stumps of old beech trees. It feeds on the living wood by producing enzymes that it break down. The rust-coloured dust, seen in the image (right), is actually millions of spores that the fungus releases to reproduce. Perennial but releasing spores in late summer and autumn.

Habitat:

On broad-leaf tree trunks, particularly oak.

Notes:

Artist's bracket is so named because it can literally be used to produce works of art. When its surface is rubbed or scratched it changes from light to dark brown, meaning lines, shading and all manner of illustrations can be etched upon the fungus itself. Spotted in my garden in a ancient larix cutted log