ID on cherry, please

[Kveldssanger]

Evening,

 

Spotted this today. I have seen this particular fungus a few times before, though have yet to identify it. Consulting literature, I am leaning towards Postia sp., particularly P. stiptica, though I need confirmation of this (as I may be entirely incorrect in my assumptions). Roger Phillips' book states it is mainly found on conifers, though this is a cherry. I make note of its intense whiteness, which is said to be a characteristic of this particular species according to this source.

 

Images (mousewheel click to view in large size) - Fungi pictures

 

Cheers.

[Alinicoll]

Dessicated chicken no?

[Kveldssanger]

The underside I did consider may have been that when looking at it, but doubled-up with a different fungus atop. If it is that (the top bracket), it's unlike any other desiccated one I have ever seen. If I am honest, I don't think it is chicken of the woods, but I do stand to be corrected.

[Alinicoll]

...I do stand to be corrected.

 

...So do I, but it does look more like a dessicated specimen to my eye than a white functioning bracket.

[sloth]

Going on those pics I'd have said Laeti, very common on cherry too. When it goes white like that in age (it doesn't always) it tends to also become somewhat 'crumbly' in texture, some say like cheese...

[Kveldssanger]

Hmm..

 

The bottom bit I can see being that, but the top bracket? I haven't seen chicken of the woods ever be so fan-shaped and adopt such a brilliant white appearance in the sun. Usually it's a dullened off-white when decaying.

[David Humphries]

Hmm..

 

The bottom bit I can see being that, but the top bracket? I haven't seen chicken of the woods ever be so fan-shaped and adopt such a brilliant white appearance in the sun. Usually it's a dullened off-white when decaying.

 

I tend to agree with Kevin and Ali on Id.

 

I think you have two separate fruiting bodies of the same species at different times and taking different form.

 

In terms of being fan shaped and 'brilliant white' the fruiting form of Laeti really can vary a great deal.

 

The below example (Laeti on oak) shows both features you have seen on the top fruit body on the cherry.

 

 

Is that a void of slice that you've taken in the first image?

If so, do you have a shot of it?

 

 

.

[Kveldssanger]

Fair shout - never seen that colouration (or lack of!) on laetiporus before. Learn something new every day! I didn't take a chunk out of it - literally pulled the car over to get some quick shots, so wasn't thinking about much other than getting a few photos.

 

Thank you to all of you on this one. Next time I see something like this I won't rule out leatiporus based on the colouration of the bracket.