Gloeophyllum protractum (Fr.) Imaz. Fruit body annual or possibly perennial; no stem; broadly attached along fallen logs. Bracket up to 10cm across, 4cm wide, 0.5-1.5cm thick at base, somewhat triangular in section, with a rather sharp edge; yellowish brown to brown when young, becoming grayish to black in age; upper surface distinctly zoned and grooved, smooth and somewhat glossy at first becoming lined, uneven and a bit cracked near the base; tough and leathery. Tubes up to l0mm deep, with a light bloom. Pores 1-2 per mm, up to 3 x 1 mm, entire and angular, then somewhat elongated; dingy yellowish brown to tawny, bruising darker. Flesh up to l0mm thick, leathery; tawny to deep brown with a distinct black cuticle on top. Spores cylindrical, smooth, 8.5-11 x 3-4µ. Hyphal structure trimitic; clamps present. Habitat on coniferous logs in open woods and forests. Found widely distributed in North America and Europe. Season June-October. Not edible. |