Another Schweinitz’s Polypore (Phaeolus schweinitzii) On Oak

August 18th. 2012. We found a Schweinitz’sPolypore (Phaeolus schweinitzii) at the base of an oak tree off the end of the house a month or so ago. These polypores are usually associated with pines rather than oaks and are a 'butt rot fungus' that attacks the roots and the heartwood to weaken trees.

Then I spotted another one at the base of a very tall oak tree on Bradford Road (CR-132) in Wilkes County, Georgia. It was well back behind a barbed wire fence so I had to satisfy myself with photographing it from a distance.

The view from the fence. This is a very tall oak tree covered with what look like a bignonia (or related) vine. The Schweinitzii’s Polypore is on the left at the base of the tree.

 A closer view of the fungus at the base of the tree

Closer still, and…

As close as I could get. This is a beautiful specimen of the fungus. Wonder if it’s going to lead to the downfall, literally, of a great oak.

Click on an image to view a larger image

Identification resources:

- Michael Kuo, Mushroom Expert.com: Phaeolus schweinitzii

- William Tannegerger: Phaeolus schweinitzii – Schweinitzii’s Polypore

- Gary Emberger, Messiah College: Phaeolus schweinitzii

Related post:

- Schweinitz’s Polypore (Phaeolus schweinitzii)