Friday, 29 December 2023

Crusts towards Hookwood - Steccherinum, and Stereum gausapatum


This looks like a sample of Steccherinum ochraceum, sensu latu, mixed in with other crusts (hmm, that's less usual) on a fallen and decaying oak log just by a large kids shelter on the big Yew near the first junction.




See also: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/steccherinum_ochraceum.html

This appears to be the young, developing phase. The spines should be 0.5 - 1 mm, almost bumps rather than spines at first, with a salmon colour is fairly characteristic of this stage, but the darker more ochre or orange colours, perhaps with longer spines (or are these different micro-species such as S. bourdotii?), appear later, when the crust may get up to 3 mm thick.  However, I didn't check whether the margins were easily separable from the substrate, so I may have to go back anyway. 

Kibby states that this "species" is widespread and common, particularly in the south, which Hugill and Lucas agree with.   


It was accompanied by a crust of the same colour but apparently very different morphology: Could this perhaps be some fresh but nibbled Junghuhnia (Steccherinum) nitidum? Not absolutely typical.


Beyond the bin-to-corner track, heading into the Birch dominated section, I came across a dead Oak branch which I think was covered in Stereum gausapatum, the Bleeding Oak Crust. However I think I should stick to Stereum sp to be on the safe side!


The good red-brownish colour is fairly indicative, in comparison to the more greyish Stereum rugosum. However the spores really do need measuring. 




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