Species details
Smoky polypore
Bjerkandera adusta
Inedible
Photo: Penelope Noel Gillette · CC BY 4.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A thin bracket fungus with a strong contrast between pale flesh and a grey to blackish pore surface.
Identification features
Caps are thin, fan- to semicircular and often overlap. The upper surface is grey-brown; the greyish pores beneath darken strongly with age or handling.
Identification checklist
In section, look for a sharp contrast between pale cap flesh and the darker grey-black tube layer. Pores darken further when bruised.
Detailed features
- Hymenophore
- The upper surface is grey-brown; the greyish pores beneath darken strongly with age or handling.
Habitat
Grows on dead hardwood, especially beech, and sometimes on damaged living wood, throughout the year.
Fruiting period
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Ecology
- Host trees
- Beech (Fagus)
- Substrate
- Dead wood, Living wood
- Notes
- Grows on dead hardwood, especially beech, and sometimes on damaged living wood, throughout the year.
How to separate similar species
Bjerkandera fumosa shows a different relationship between pale flesh and pore layer and often a distinct dark separating line. A section is therefore useful.