Pseudoinonotus dryadeus - Oak Polypore

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Polyporales

A distinguishing feature of this orange-brown bracket fungus is that its felted surface exudes amber droplets, most noticeably towards the broad growing margin. Although commonly referred to as the Oak Polypore, Pseudoinonotus dryadeus also occurs sometimes on beech, birch and alder trees.

One of the most beautiful of bracket fungi, the Oak Polypore looks like runny honey oozing from set honey. It is not as tasty as honey!

This species was formerly recorded under its synonym Inonotus dryadeus.

Identification Guide

	Cap infertile surface Up to 40cm across and typically 10 to 15cm thick, these orange-brown brackets become irregularly shaped as the fruitbody matures. Occasionally they occur in tiers of three or more brackets. As the infection increases, fruitbodies can occur on roots some distance away from the trunk of the tree. The cap flesh is felty or even slightly hairy at first and becomes harder and more uneven with age. Drops of an amber 'runny honey' liquid ooze from a paler 'set honey' background to create a most attractive patterned surface. Unfortunately the similarity with honey does not extend to the taste.
Tubes and Pores	The greyish tubes, spaced at 4 to 6 per mm, also exude a thick amber liquid when young.
Spore print	White.
Odour/taste	Not distinctive.
Habitat	On dead broad-leaf trees, notably beech.
Season	Late summer to early winter.
Occurrence	Uncommon.
Similar species	Fistulina hepatica, the Beefsteak Fungus, is soft and oozes red juice when cut.