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Ischnoderma resinosum, commonly known as the Resinous Polypore, is a bracket fungus that typically grows on decaying hardwood logs. It is characterized by its reddish-brown to dark brown color and a resinous, often sticky surface when young. As it matures, the surface can become duller and less sticky. The flesh is soft and fibrous, and the pore surface is whitish to cream-colored, bruising brown when handled. This fungus plays a role in wood decay, particularly on hardwoods like beech and birch.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is reddish-brown to dark brown, with a resinous or sticky surface when young. It is typically smooth but can become cracked or uneven with age.
- Gills
- This is a polypore, so it has pores instead of gills. The pore surface is whitish to cream-colored, bruising brown when handled.
- Stem
- Absent. This fungus is sessile, meaning it attaches directly to the wood without a stem.
- Flesh
- The flesh is soft, fibrous, and reddish-brown.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a bracket-like structure, typically growing horizontally from the wood. It can be single or in overlapping clusters.
- Habitat
- Grows on decaying hardwood logs, particularly beech and birch.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Resinous when young, becoming duller with age.
- Growth Form: Bracket fungus.
- Spore Print: White to pale yellow.
- Body color: Reddish-brown to dark brown.
- Odor: Faintly sweet or fruity.
- Flesh bruises: Pore surface bruises brown.
- Height: Up to 10 cm.
- Cap Diameter: Up to 20 cm.
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic, decaying wood.
Safe
SafeIschnoderma resinosum is not considered toxic, but it is also not typically consumed due to its tough texture and taste.
Quick Check
- Odor: Faintly sweet or fruity when fresh.
- Fruiting: Bracket-like, growing on wood.
- Substrate: Decaying hardwood logs.
Where to Find
North America
Common in hardwood forests across North America.
Europe
Found in various European countries, particularly where beech and birch are prevalent.
Finding Tips
Look for Decaying Hardwoods
Search on and around decaying hardwood logs, especially beech and birch.
Check for Resinous Surface
Young specimens often have a sticky, resinous surface, which is a key identifying feature.
Similar Species
Cinnabar Polypore
crust fungus
Also known as: Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Fomitopsidaceae
- Genus
- Ischnoderma
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Cleaning is not typically relevant as this fungus is not commonly consumed. If needed, gently brush off any debris.
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