Dryad's saddle

This big, beautiful fungus is a common one that can often be spotted popping out of trees.

Scientific name

Cerioporus Squamosus

When to see

May - September

Species information

Statistics

Cap diameter: 5 - 60cm
Stem height: up to 8cm

Conservation status

Common

Habitats

Towns and gardens

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!

How to identify

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.

Distribution

Widespread

Did 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).