Polypores

This is a catch-all name for brackets growing on trees. All have pores and tubes in place of gills. They may be annual or perennial and are usually hard and woody; most are inedible due to their tough texture. It is important to note the tree species that they are found on, as many polypores are tree-specific. It can be difficult to obtain spore prints, but spores sometimes drift up and settle on the top of the bracket, where their colour can be ascertained.