Split-gill Schizophyllum commune (Fr.) Fr. (illustrated 50% life size) Cap 1β4cm across, fan-shaped, often lobed or fused with others; densely covered in greyish-white down with a purplish tinge. Stem absent or rudimentary. Flesh pale; tough. Gills radiating from the point of attachment, splitting lengthwise and rolling back to cover the space between the gills, protecting the hymenium from desiccation. Spores 6Γ3ΒΌ, cylindrical. Spore print white. Habitat on dead wood of deciduous trees and cut timber, also on bales of hay that have been wrapped in plastic sheeting; all year. Occasional, more frequent in south-east England. Not edible.
