Shaggy polypore / Velvet fungus (Inonotus hispidus)
Common host(s) Particularly ash but also other broadleaves including elm, walnut, plane. Colonisation strategy Gains entry through fresh wounds, broken branches or branch stubs Symptoms Annual fruiting body often solitary, domed, furry/velvety surface. Initially pale brown/orange/rust, later turning black and bristly. Type of rot Simultaneous white rot Part(s) of tree affected Fruit bodies on trunk and main lateral branches. Significance Quickly destabilises the wood and causes brittle fractures in ash. Less of a problem in London plane as it does not weaken the wood as much.
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