Hoof Fungus (Fomes fomentarius)
Common host(s) Beech, poplar, sycamore and other broadleaved trees. It is very common in birch in northern parts of Britain. Colonisation strategy Gains entry through broken branches or stem injuries Symptoms The fruiting body is a perennial bracket that appears ‘hoof-like’ after a few years growth. The bracket is initially brownish but fades to dark grey. The upper surface is hard and ‘crusted’, with concentric rings (possibly of different colours and shades). White spores are released in mid summer. Type of rot Simultaneous white rot Part(s) of tree affected Branches, stems Significance It causes brittle fracture, usually in the upper stem near the bracket.
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