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I agree with @artemislives, it's a species of Ganoderma, but I'm not certain which. The greying matter on top is too old for my experience to correctly identify. Definitely looks like it's been there awhile!
Yes, it even has moss growing on it in some places. I think you and @artemislives are right. I've since searched that species and it looks identical. It's also the correct climate here for them too. thank you @alchemage, much appreciated. xx
It is creamy white underneath and the top part seems to be blending into the tree bark, almost as if it mimicking it.
This is the feature I thought was most interesting too. It has the exact same bark splitting shapes and colors.
On really old hollowed out trees, when the inside becomes wet and the bark rots away, I have found some of the most amazing black compost buried inside trees. All kinds of fungi, moss, bacteria, and micro organisms turning the compost into something alive and healthy.
Sometimes these damp spots where mushrooms grow can kill the tree over time, mainly because the water isn't draining. I'm attempting to learn how moss is beneficial or damaging to tree growth on some species. Anywhere damp and shady it seems to grow best.
Yes, fungi is normally an indicator that the tree is rotting or dying as fungi are there to help break down dead wood. However, I think this one just seems to live in a symbiotic relationship with the tree. It is still producing acorns and the leaves are looking healthy too.
Thank you for stopping by and taking an interest in my post, much appreciated.
I had come across a similar mushroom as well, then when I looked I found out that it was Fomes fomentarius. Very similar to what you found. Search this name if you want.
If you are interested in identifying mushrooms, I would suggest checking out mushroomexpert.com, first-nature.com, and mushroomobserver.org for online resources. Also, I would also STRONGLY suggest that you do not eat anything straight from the field right away. There are many look alike species of fungi that sometimes can only be differentiated using microscopic, chemical, or even DNA analysis. Don't accidentally poison yourself!
Also, if you live in North America and want a resource to carry around with you on your walks, there was a new edition of the Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms released just this year. The Fungi Lovers community may be able to help more too. Either way, happy hunting!
Thank you for this useful info and for taking a look at what it could be. I think the Fomes is similar looking but there are some characteristic differences.
I am in the UK, I will check out the guide though as I have family across the pond. xx
It looks like a variety of Reishi mushroom - a Ganoderma of one variety or another.
Lovely images!
xxHello @artemislives, lovely to hear from you. Thank you for this I will check it out and see which variety it could be.
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STOP@alchemage ? you're the mushroom wizard on Nat Med. Do you know the answer to this quest?
I agree with @artemislives, it's a species of Ganoderma, but I'm not certain which. The greying matter on top is too old for my experience to correctly identify. Definitely looks like it's been there awhile!
💚
Yes, it even has moss growing on it in some places. I think you and @artemislives are right. I've since searched that species and it looks identical. It's also the correct climate here for them too. thank you @alchemage, much appreciated. xx
This is the feature I thought was most interesting too. It has the exact same bark splitting shapes and colors.
On really old hollowed out trees, when the inside becomes wet and the bark rots away, I have found some of the most amazing black compost buried inside trees. All kinds of fungi, moss, bacteria, and micro organisms turning the compost into something alive and healthy.
Sometimes these damp spots where mushrooms grow can kill the tree over time, mainly because the water isn't draining. I'm attempting to learn how moss is beneficial or damaging to tree growth on some species. Anywhere damp and shady it seems to grow best.
Yes, fungi is normally an indicator that the tree is rotting or dying as fungi are there to help break down dead wood. However, I think this one just seems to live in a symbiotic relationship with the tree. It is still producing acorns and the leaves are looking healthy too.
Thank you for stopping by and taking an interest in my post, much appreciated.
I had come across a similar mushroom as well, then when I looked I found out that it was Fomes fomentarius. Very similar to what you found. Search this name if you want.
It does look similar, but there are some differences, thank you for your help though, I really appreciate it :-) xx
Great find! Definitely some kind of polypore, (possibly part of either the Fomes or Phellinus genus?).
Examples:
https://www.mushroomexpert.com/fomes_fomentarius.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phellinus
If you are interested in identifying mushrooms, I would suggest checking out mushroomexpert.com, first-nature.com, and mushroomobserver.org for online resources. Also, I would also STRONGLY suggest that you do not eat anything straight from the field right away. There are many look alike species of fungi that sometimes can only be differentiated using microscopic, chemical, or even DNA analysis. Don't accidentally poison yourself!
Also, if you live in North America and want a resource to carry around with you on your walks, there was a new edition of the Peterson Field Guide to Mushrooms released just this year. The Fungi Lovers community may be able to help more too. Either way, happy hunting!
Thank you for this useful info and for taking a look at what it could be. I think the Fomes is similar looking but there are some characteristic differences.
I am in the UK, I will check out the guide though as I have family across the pond. xx
Thank you xx
You're welcome! I hope the guide helps some.