I have a black oak (Q. velutina), apparently injured some years ago by lightning. At the base, decay has started dissolving sapwood, to a depth of 3 inches (8 cm). I found a large woody conk, and need to ID this.

The conk is perennial, I believe Polyporacea, but not sure. It is old, and deteriorating.

It is shaped like an inverted hoof, widest at the top. Very short stalk on one side. The top is about 10 to 12 inches (25 cm) across, about the same height. Upper surface is somewhat concave. I'm not sure what the original color might have been, it is now dark brown, crusty in places.

Any suggestions on what genus would be appreciated, along with sources of information.

TIA
Russ

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 07, 1999 at 15:14:22:

Russ, if there is a short stalk, then probably it is a mushroom, and not a conk. Not many decay-style mushrooms grow out of wood, but there are some- one is common on linden. Can't remember which one, but I just wanted to mention to look at mushroom-style fungi as well as conk-style.

Reply to post by Peter Torres, on February 07, 1999 at 15:14:22:

Peter, here's a sketch of the conk. It is definitely not a stalked mushroom. I believe it is in the Family Polyporacea. It's 16 x 18 inches on top, 10 inches high. The sloped undersurface is deeply fissured (old and dried?), the top is slightly depressed, with knobby growths.

Still looking for ideas, and wishing I had a digital camera.

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on February 10, 1999 at 23:05:32:

Russ,

Two genera to look at are Coltricia and Albatrellus. Both are polypores with members that reside on oak and have the general description of the conk you found. I dont count myself a mycologist, but you may find one at U. of Del or U. of Maryland willing to help.

Regards

Wayne