Identified by Nick Aplin. Identity confirmed by Martyn Ainsworth. RBG Kew herbarium accession number K(M)196496. On a fallen beech tree. 17 October 2014 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. Fruiting Body Bracket-like and/or mat-like, upper surface velvety then smooth, white to cream, underside covered with needle like or flattened spines growing to 12 mm, white to cream Flesh White, firm Smell Fungal Taste Indistinct Season Autumn Distribution Very rare. Recorded from South Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, West Sussex and Grampian in Scotland. Habitat On wood from deciduous trees, recorded on beech and oak in Great Britain Spore Print White Microscopic Features Spores ovoid (5-6.5) x (4-5) µm2. Hyphal system monomitic. Clamp connections present. Notes This fungus may be confused with several Hericium species 
On a fallen beech tree. 17 October 2014 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
On a fallen beech tree. 17 October 2014 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
Spores in Melzer's solution viewed with a x100 immersion objective and x2.5 projection eyepiece. 17 October 2014 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. 
Hyphae with clamp connections in Congo red viewed with a x40 objective and x2.5 projection eyepiece. 17 October 2014 Hampshire. Photograph copyright Leif Goodwin. |