Weeping Polypore (Inonotus dryadeus)

I’m far enough in my journey as a novice mushroom hunter to understand how little I know about the subject, so it’s satisfying to come across species of fungus that I can confidently identify. I find this bracket polypore fascinating to look at, especially close up. Now, I don’t suffer from tryophobia, but I could see how this could be triggering for those who do. I love the jewel-like beads of amber liquid that make the surface of this fungus positively shimmer. This fungus can cause rot in host trees.

what it looks like

Look for this fungus in summer and autumn, in temperate hardwood forests. A thick, fleshy bracket with an uneven shape, typically at the bases of hardwood trees - typically oak (hence the common name Oak Bracket) with a ‘toasted marshmallow’ colouration on its upper side. They can grow up to about a foot across, but are often much smaller. The flesh is fibrous and soft. The upper surface is velvety and entirely covered in pores which bead up with a clear amber liquid. The underside is cream coloured or pale yellow-brown, with very fine pores. It has an unpleasant scent. Old specimens are black and cracked.

Uses

Weeping Polypore is not edible, and has no uses besides as an indicator of the health of the trees it inhabits. It is a good sign that the oak (or other broadleaf tree, rarely) may be weak in its base and capable of falling.