Phanerochaete burtii

This is one of the corticioid fungi, so the fruitbody is a flattish growth and is usually found on the underside of dead wood that is lying on the ground. The fruitbody is a soft, fairly loosely-attached sheet, less than a millimetre thick, and consists of two layers. The layer nearest the wood is white and has a cobwebby texture, while the outer layer consists of a continuous surface that is smooth (or with occasional lumpiness) and is yellowish to brownish. Yellow ‘cords’ extend out from the fruitbody margin and these may become ‘frayed’ and divide into fine ‘threads’ to give a superficial resemblance to an intricately branched river delta.     

One feature of this fungus is that the yellow cords become red in a potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) solution whereas potassium hydroxide has no effect on the fruitbody itself. However, to be sure of an identification a microscopic examination is necessary.

The species is found in various parts of the northern hemisphere and has been found a few times in Australia.   

Regional distribution

Phanerochaete burtii is listed in the following regions: