Total (fungi) newbie trying to identify a bracket fungus

[David Humphries]

Reg. first pic, would you consider the margin of the underside a bit big for Ganoderma applanatum?

 

I would agree with Mr Nicoll regarding the problems using 'features' for identification.

 

The reported morphological features we find described in the text books, produce inconsistencies when taken together to be sure of leading to a positive I'd between these two Ganoderma species.

 

We've had sporophore samples studied by a mycologist that we believed to be one or the other (due in part to our hunches ) turn out to be the opposite when microscopy is used to look at the shape and size ranges of the spore.

 

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[David Humphries]

There's a term in my contract that states if I don't ID a certain quota of fungus per annum I have to sit in the corner for a week wearing the Fomes hat!

 

I don't believe people would actually think there's one bit of truth in that what so ever

 

 

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[Alinicoll]

What arbs do on their days off......

[David Humphries]

What arbs do on their days off......

 

 

Never a day off in Arb, you know that

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[jfc]

Thanks for all the comments. Interesting that only microscopy can definitively ID a species.

 

I will go back and see the tree again (and take a photo of its location) in relation to the footpath. I am thinking that if it too close then I may have to suggest the client gets a tree report done, as I am not qualified/insured to give that kind of risk assessment advice.

 

Any idea roughly of the costs of a tree report for a single tree?

 

jan.

[Kveldssanger]

Is the Fomes hat one step up from the tin foil hat? I expect to see the Fomes hat breaking into mainstream fashion magazines by this time next month.

 

RE: professional report. Possibly, if the owner feels that they want it done. I doubt, unless the consultant has a tame mycologist at hand, whether they'd be able to differentiate between the two, though for risk assessment and management it'd be something to consider.