Spectacular Split Gill Fungi

2 September 2016

Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungi)

These spectacular looking white fungi were noticed today growing on a branch that had been cut off a fig tree within the Charles & Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve, Highfields.  

Thanks to Paul Vallier from SEQ Fungi Facebook group for the assistance with the identification of Schizophyllum commune aka Split Gill Fungi. Paul advised me to have a look at the underside of the fungi to discover how beautiful it was, but to be cautious and don't sniff them as they can cause some very nasty respiratory problems.

"The cap is shell-shaped, with the tissue concentrated at the point of attachment, resembling a stem. It is often wavy and lobed, with a rigid margin when old. It is tough, felty and hairy, and slippery when moist. It is greyish white and up to 4 cm in diameter. The gills are pale reddish or grey, very narrow with a longitudinal split edge which becomes in-rolled when wet; the only known fungus with split gills that is capable of retracting by movement. It is found predominantly from spring to autumn on dead wood, in coniferous and deciduous forest."  (Source": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophyllum_commune)

J.G.

Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungi) Rogers Reserve, Highfields

Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungi) Rogers Reserve, Highfields

Schizophyllum commune (Split Gill Fungi) Rogers Reserve, Highfields