Ali McKernan
Ali Mckernan
Ali Mckernan
Dryad's saddle
This big, beautiful fungus is a common one that can often be spotted popping out of trees.
Scientific name
Cerioporus SquamosusWhen to see
May - SeptemberTop facts
Stats
Cap diameter: 5 - 60cmStem height: up to 8cm
Common
About
This mighty bracket fungus can grow to enormous sizes, and never fails to take your breath away if you chance upon it in the woods. If you take a look on the underside of a fruiting body you'll see hundreds of 'pores' which, in this species, are honeycomb shaped!What to look for
Starting out as stout little ears a little like Shrek's, this fungus grows rapidly into beautiful saucers, often in tiers all down the side of the tree upon which it lives. The cap surface is pale cream/golden and has the most beautiful pattern of brown scales on top, which also gives it it's other nickname - 'Pheasants back', as they resemble the feather pattern of said pheasant.Where to find
WidespreadDid you know?
Some fungi have the most unusual smells, and this fungus is no exception. It smells of watermelon! It is parasitic on deciduous trees and can become saprotrphic (recycling the dead wood).
Ali Mckernan
Ali Mckernan
Ali McKernan