How to identify Resinous Polypore

To correctly identify Resinous Polypore (Ischnoderma resinosum), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   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.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   This is a polypore, so it has pores instead of gills. The pore surface is whitish to cream-colored, bruising brown when handled.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent. This fungus is sessile, meaning it attaches directly to the wood without a stem.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is soft, fibrous, and reddish-brown.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is a bracket-like structure, typically growing horizontally from the wood. It can be single or in overlapping clusters.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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.

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Pores instead of gills.
• Stem shape: Absent.
• Stem surface: N/A
• Ring: Absent.
• Stem cross-section: N/A

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