Principle species colonised

Restricted to conifers; frequently found on pine, but also on spruce, larch, Douglas fir, and true firs.

Area affected

Usually in the roots, although it can reach up to three meters on the main stem.

Type of decay

Brown-rot, usually limited to the heartwood and characterised by cubical cracking; in later stages, the colour may become nearly black.

Fruit body and other fungal structures

Usually located at the base of the tree, this soft, delicately frondose bracket can be seen on the ground several meters distant. The fronds are creamy and golden, but as they age, the edges turn brown. With a maximum diameter of 300 mm, it resembles a cauliflower or sponge.

Seasonality and perseverance Late summer or early fall, transient, and rapidly deteriorating after death.

Impact / Effect / Significance

Due to the low tensile strength of the rotted wood, widely impacted trees are susceptible to brittle fracture near the base of the stem.