Stem failure on mature Rowan

[Lancstree]

This is a result of a combination of the wild wind we had over the weekend and this fungal decay point. We got the stem down safely but I didn't get a chance to take a pic with the stem hanging on. Any of you fungi guru's know what this one is, displayed on the stem? Would recognising this fungi on other trees be cause to raise alarm bells? My guess is that it looks similar to stereum rugosum.

Edited March 10, 2009 by Lancstree
Forgot to add my guess

[Amelanchier]

I think you're probably right with the ID Lancs... Though round this way I'd rarely implicate Stereum as the primary cause of failure, its mostly a secondary decay organism. I'd definately be concerned to see it mid stem though - a certain sign of cambial death and associated dead bark.

[David Humphries]

Does look to be of Stereum type form.

 

However, S. regosum as with all if not most Stereums, appear to be saprophytic on stumps or dead standing wood.

 

Which would suggest ruling it out as the primary suspect for the failure.

 

The wood fibres appear undecayed in your photo, can you elaborate on the state/type of decay present. Any more after photos?

 

 

Good post

 

 

 

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