Principle species colonised

A Large variation of broadleaved species.

Area affected

After being exposed by wounding, the main stem and primary branches are typically restricted to sapwood or ripewood columns.

Type of decay

Early wood first experienced delignification, which was followed by severe white rot.

Fruit body and other fungal structures

A fleshy, squishy bracket that resembles a fan or shell and occasionally has a short stem. The top is first nearly black before turning pale bluish-grey, a tint that frequently lasts through the winter. At other periods of the year, they are more often fawn to white. White gills are seen on the underside, and they frequently unite close to their roots. Singular specimens are fairly common, however they are frequently clustered.

Seasonality and perseverance Fruit bodies often form in late autumn or early winter.
not persistent.

Impact / Effect / Significance

Decay is often restricted to the initial wound site, with relatively little significance for the strength of the tree. Failure can, however, occur if decay has developed extensively from multiple or large wounds. Also, localised decay in a critical area (e.g. a graft zone) could lead to failure.