THE BRACKET FUNGUS

Bracket Fungi, any of about 1,000 species of generally tough or woody fungi named after the bracket-like or shelf-like shape of their fruiting bodies, or basidiomata. They are also called pore fungi because the fruiting surface, or hymenium, lines the inside of the often irregular pores on the undersurface of the basidioma. The basidioma in some species is as wide as 15 cm (6 in) and varies in colour from grey or brown to bright orange or yellow. The basidiomata of some large bracket fungi also extend as cap-like structures on stalks.

Bracket fungi are familiar in woodlands, where they may cause the rapid decay of stumps and fallen trees and shrubs (or even telephone poles or timber). Many species, however, also grow on living trees, causing white or brown rots that often kill the trees. A few members of the family feed on decaying matter in the soil. Most bracket fungi are annuals that produce new basidiomata each year, although some are perennials that produce another layer of tubes on old brackets each year and may last for several years. One edible species of bracket fungus is called tuckahoe or Indian bread.

Scientific classification: Bracket fungi belong to the family Polyporaceae, of the order Poriales, phylum Basidiomycota, in the kingdom Fungi. The tuckahoe is classified as Poria cocos.

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