Roy Cain's Polypore Key >> Gloeophyllum sepiarium

A Focus on Species >> Gloeophyllum sepiarium

Gloeophyllum sepiarium (Wulfen) P. Karsten

Gloeophyllum sepiarium is a very common decay agent of conifer logs in our region. It may also impose itself upon humans by growing on wooden structures built with conifer wood. Decks and other outdoor structures are particularly at risk.

There are three species of Gloeophyllum known in eastern Canada, G. protractum, G. sepiarium and G. trabeum. In Roy Cain's Polypore Key G. sepiarium and G. trabeum are differentiated on the colour of the basidiomatal context, rusty in G. sepiarium and sepia to umber brown in G. trabeum. In addition, G. trabeum has much denser lamellae or smaller pores than G. sepiarium. Gloeophyllum protractum is a somewhat larger species that is more pore-like than lamellate. All three occur primarily on conifers although they may occasionally be found on hardwoods.

Photo: D. Malloch