Fuscoporia ferrea is a brown rot fungus that grows on deciduous trees, particularly oak and elm. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits in the fall, producing resupinate to effused-reflexed crusts with a brown to grayish-brown upper surface and a white to cream-colored lower surface. The fungus can be found on stumps, logs, and living trees, often at the base of the trunk or on roots. It is widely distributed in the region, including in urban and rural areas, and can be common in certain habitats, such as bottomland forests and woodlands along streams and rivers.
Cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom (Fuscoporia ferrea, Phellinus ferrea) on a fallen oak in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, January 4, 2023 South College Avenue, University Apartments - The Gardens, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom (Fuscoporia ferrea, Phellinus ferrea) on a side of an oak log in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, January 4, 2023 South College Avenue, University Apartments - The Gardens, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom (Fuscoporia ferrea, Phellinus ferrea) on a cut surface of an oak log in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, January 4, 2023 South College Avenue, University Apartments - The Gardens, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom (Fuscoporia ferrea, Phellinus ferrea) in bark crevices of an oak log in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, January 4, 2023 South College Avenue, University Apartments - The Gardens, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Margin of cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom (Fuscoporia ferrea, Phellinus ferrea) on an oak log in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, January 4, 2023 South College Avenue, University Apartments - The Gardens, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Texture of cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom (Fuscoporia ferrea, Phellinus ferrea) on an oak log in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, January 4, 2023 South College Avenue, University Apartments - The Gardens, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
In East and Central Texas, specifically in Hensel Park, College Station, observations of the fungus Fuscoporia ferrea were made. The cinnamon porecrust polypore mushroom was found growing on various surfaces of oak logs, including fallen trees, cut surfaces, and bark crevices. The fungus was observed on January 4, 2023, in multiple locations within the park. Its growth patterns varied, with some specimens growing on the sides of logs, while others were found on the margins or in crevices. The texture of the mushroom was also noted, providing insight into its physical characteristics. Overall, these observations suggest that Fuscoporia ferrea is a common inhabitant of oak logs in this region, and can thrive in a variety of environments. The fungus's ability to grow on different surfaces and in various conditions highlights its adaptability.