split gill fungus

Split Gill – Schizophyllum commune 

Fungi of the Week

29th May 2020 | Info

Common name: Split Gill 

Scientific name: Schizophyllum commune 

Introduction: The Split Gill (Schizophyllum commune) is typically a sessile bracket fungus that forms all year round. 

Identification

Cap: The Caps of a Split Gill fungus are typically white and hairy with an occasional purple tint. The fruiting bodies of a Split Gill form singularly, and each cap is averagely up to 3cm wide and up to 1cm thick. Quite often, you will find that the caps fuse together with the caps of adjoining fruiting-bodies. 

Gills: The gills of a split Gill is arguably one of their most distinct features. They are a pinkish-grey and can radiate both centrally and laterally dependent on where they form. They appear as if they have been split lengthways and often curl or fold over to protect the fungi’s hymenium when the weather is drier. 

Stem: Typically, you will find that the stems of a Split Gill are short and barely visible above the substrate surface of the fungus unless the fruiting body is growing underneath deadwood. In this case, fruiting bodies are stemless as they form centrally by an infertile surface. 

Spores: Spores of a Split Gill are cylindrical to ellipsoidal in shape and have a white spore print. 

Habitat

You can commonly find Split Gill growing on diseased hardwood trees or on common deadwood. They will often form in tiers, covering the damaged bark of the diseased trees or the bark of dead/dying branches. 

Impact on Trees

Split Gills are mainly a saprobic, wood-rotting fungus that can cause white rot to occur. 

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