Willow bracket

Description:

The upper surface grey on young fruitbodies, turning black and often developing vertical cracks when older, the outer margin remaining brown and velvety even on very old fruitbodies. Phellinus igniarius can grow up to 40 cm across and as much as 20 cm thick, the fruitbody is hoof-like and concentrically ridged in annual layers. The flesh inside these brackets is reddish brown. The tubes are brown, 3 to 5 mm deep and spaced at 4 to 6 per mm. They terminate in grey-brown to red-brown pores, sometimes having a purple tinge.

Habitat:

Phellinus igniarius is an uncommon find in Britain and Ireland, but occurs in many countries in mainland Europa and is also recorded in North America. Phellinus igniarius is parasitic and eventually saprobic, restricted to broadleaf trees and most commonly willows.

Notes:

Saprobic Willow brackets spotted on the trunk of a dead willow tree in rural area of Deventer, Holland.