Benzoin Bracket

Benzoin Bracket Ischnoderma resinosum (Fr.) P. Karst. (illustrated 20% life size) Bracket 5–30×3–15cm across, 1–3cm thick, margin acute, single or in small tiers; zoned rusty brown to almost black; upper surface very uneven and wrinkled, velvety, saturated in a rusty resin when young, concentrically ridged. Flesh pale brownish; succulent; smell pleasant. Tubes 6–10mm long; brown. Pores 2–3 per mm, angular; creamy white, later ochre-brown. Spores 5–6×2–2.5¼, subcylindrical; white. Hyphal structure dimitic; generative hyphae with clamp connections. Habitat on dead coniferous and deciduous trees; autumn to winter. Uncommon. Not edible. Note many authorities now consider this species as Ischnoderma benzoinum (Wahlenb.) P. Karst. if it is found on coniferous, not deciduous, wood.