Crusts and Brackets.

Even though there is not much popping out of the ground at the moment, there are still plenty of Crusts and Brackets about to check over if you can muster the enthusiasm. To me however, the majority of these are far beyond any reasonable hope of ID, even with Paul Hugill's resupinate field guide. But every now and again you come across one that you can identify, ( usually with the help of greater minds among the facebook community) - they usually have a common name as well. Much of what I find are just variations of Hairy Curtain Crust (Stereum hirsutum) or Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor) but over time you can start building a small list of other species, some of which I have shown below - as always corrections are much appreciated.

Purplepore bracket, Trichaptum abietinum

 Purplepore bracket, Trichaptum abietinum, This is very common in Pembrey and Penybedd growing on the pine logs and stumps. It is a rather mundane, wizened-looking white bracket, that looks old even when it's not, but turn it over and it has a beautiful purple underside.

Netted crust, Byssomerulius corium

Netted crust, Byssomerulius corium,  is very common everywhere, little caps around the edge of branches that soon join to become a uniform white patch.

Common Mazegill,  Datronia mollis

Common Mazegill, Datronia mollis. Not quite as common around here as it's name suggests. Maze structure clearly seen with good light. This one was growing on Willow








Toothed crust, Basidioradulum radula and Split-pore crust, Schizopora paradoxa.
Both these are found on small branches in broadleaf woods.. Not exciting until you look at them through a hand-lens when you can then see all the teeth, pores etc.

Toothed crust, Basidioradulum radula and Split-pore crust, Schizopora paradoxa

Stereum Hirsutu Look-alikes.

Stereum rugosum has a characteristic pink colour when it flattens out, unlike S. hisutum which is a lot more orange. When you scratch it it will bleed a reddish colour - hence the common name Bleeding Broadleaf Crust. Likewise S. subtomentosum, again looks similar but bleeds yellow and is called Yellowing Curtain Crust.

 Bleeding Broadleaf Crust, S.rugosum and Yellowing Curtain Crust, S. subtomtosum