Stereum rameale (Pers.) Burt

Taxonomy

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Russulales

Distinguished from Stereum hirsutum because it lacks the hairs on its upper surface (although the edges of young crusts are fringed with tiny eyelash-like hairs) this very variable crust forms lines and sometimes tiers on dead twigs and small branches.The fruitbodies are thin, elastic and tough when moist, becoming hard and brittle when dry.

This crust persists all through the year but releases spores only during autumn. It favours Beech and other hardwoods.

Identification Guide

Description	Occurring in patches typically 1 to 3cm across, often merging; edges may be detached and sometimes reflexed from substrate; fertile surface is smooth, ochraceous in the centre, paler towards the wavy margin; upper (when in bracket form).
Spore-bearing surface	The lower spore-bearing surface is banded yellow-brown; downy but not hairy.
Spores	White.
Odour/taste	No noticeable odour; tough, tasteless and inedible .
Habitat	On dead hardwood trees and fallen branches, particularly Beech.
Season	All through the year, but shedding spores only in autumn.
Occurrence	Common.
Similar species	Stereum subtomentosum has an upper surface that is zoned in various shades of greyish-orange or greyish white; it usually forms reflexed crusts or brackets. Stereum hirsutum is hairy on its upper surface and often forms reflexed crusts or brackets.

Reference Sources

Fascinated by Fungi, Pat O'Reilly 2011

Dictionary of the Fungi; Paul M. Kirk, Paul F. Cannon, David W. Minter and J. A. Stalpers; CABI, 2008

Taxonomic history and synonym information on these pages is drawn from many sources but in particular from the British Mycological Society's GB Checklist of Fungi and (for basidiomycetes) on Kew's Checklist of the British & Irish Basidiomycota.