Cauliflower fungus (Sparassis crispa)

Common host(s)                     Coniferous trees especially Pine

Symptoms                              The fruiting bodies produced by this fungus appear annually in late-summer / autumn close to the stems of coniferous trees. The fruiting body manifests as a ball shape and consists of a number of thin delicate fronds. It is short lived and will quickly decompose.

Type of rot                             Brown rot often confined to the heartwood.

Part(s) of tree affected          The fungus restricts itself to spreading within the roots and lower section of the tree trunk.

Significance                            The decayed wood has little tensile strength. Extensively affected trees are liable to brittle fracture at the stem base.

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