Species details

Aniseed bracket

Gloeophyllum odoratum

Inedible
Aniseed bracket – Gloeophyllum odoratum

Photo: Björn S... · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo source · License

Description

A thick brown bracket fungus of irregular shape, fresh specimens often having a noticeable sweet or anise-like smell.

Identification features

The upper surface is rough and zoned, while the underside has elongated to maze-like pores; old flesh becomes corky and hard.

Identification checklist

Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A thick brown bracket fungus of irregular shape, fresh specimens often having a noticeable sweet or anise-like smell. The upper surface is rough and zoned, while the underside has elongated to maze-like pores; old flesh becomes corky and hard. Typical habitat: Mainly on stumps and dead conifer wood, often spruce; the hard fruitbodies may remain visible throughout the year.

How to separate similar species

Compare especially with these similar species: Gloeophyllum sepiarium, Fomitopsis pinicola. Check the entire fruitbody, spore-bearing surface, stem, texture, changes after bruising and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough for reliable identification.

Habitat

Mainly on stumps and dead conifer wood, often spruce; the hard fruitbodies may remain visible throughout the year.

Fruiting period

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Similar species

Extended-description sources