Oak Bracket – Pseudoinonotus dryadeus

Fungi of the Week

7th February 2020 | Info

Common name: Oak bracket

Scientific name: Pseudoinonotus dryadeus (previously Inonotus dryadeus) 

Introduction: The Oak bracket fungus is a bracket fungus that is native to the UK. 

Identification

Cap: The cap of an oak bracket is broad, thick and lumpy with a pillow-like appearance. It is an orangey-brown colour and becomes more irregularly shaped as the fungus matures. When young, an amber-coloured liquid oozes from the surface, giving the cap a patterned appearance.  

Tubes/Pores: Grey and similarly secrete a thick amber liquid when they are young.  

Stem: Stemless. 

Spores: Ellipsoidal and smooth.  

Flesh: Felt-like when young and becomes harder in age. As the bracket fungus matures, it also develops an increasingly unpleasant smell. 

Habitat

Oak brackets form in late summer to early winter on the bases of living and dead broad-leaf trees. They predominantly form on oaks but can form on a variety of other trees such as beech, birch and alder.

Impact on Trees

The Oak bracket is parasitic (predominantly on oak trees) and belongs to the butt rot fungi group.  Spores of the fungi are absorbed through cuts or wounds in the bark which in turn cause white rot and decay in the trunks of the affected trees. Despite this, however, they do play a vital role in the ecosystem of woodlands.  

Want to get listed on Directree?

Are you a tree surgeon? Click the button to claim your free listing and see our other membership options today!

Are you looking for a tree surgeon?

Are you looking for a professional in your area to help you? Click the button to search our database today!