Hymenochaetopsis tabacina is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Hymenochaetaceae. It is a small to medium-sized bracket fungus with a semicircular to kidney-shaped cap, typically 1-4 cm in diameter, and a smooth, velvety, or downy surface that ranges in color from tan to brown to grayish-brown. The pores on the underside are small and angular. In East and Central Texas, Hymenochaetopsis tabacina has been found growing on dead logs, stumps, and other decaying wood, particularly on hardwoods such as oak and elm, often in shaded areas with rich soil and high humidity. Fruitings typically occur from spring to fall, with a peak in summer months.
Fungus (mushroom) Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) on a twig in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 3, 2019 Post Oak Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Underside of fungus (mushroom) Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) on a twig in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 3, 2019 Post Oak Trail, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Corticioid fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina, Hymenochaete tabacina) or may be H. corrugata covering a branch of a fallen oak on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 4, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Close-up of corticioid fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 4, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Corticioid fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) on a fallen oak on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 4, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Corticioid fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) covering oak bark on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 4, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Corticioid fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) together with some white crust on a fallen oak on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 4, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Some white crust growing over corticioid fungus Hymenochaetopsis tabacina (Pseudochaete tabacina) on a fallen oak on Stubblefield section of Lone Star hiking trail north from Trailhead No. 6 in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 4, 2020 Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
AI-generated summary of observations
In East and Central Texas, Hymenochaetopsis tabacina was observed growing on twigs and branches of fallen trees, particularly oak, in various locations including Lick Creek Park and Sam Houston National Forest. The fungus was found covering the bark of fallen oaks, with some observations showing it growing alongside white crust. Close-up views revealed the corticioid nature of the fungus, with a distinctive texture. Observations were made on different dates, including February 3, 2019, and January 4, 2020, suggesting that the fungus is active during winter months in this region. The fungus was also found growing on smaller twigs, indicating its ability to colonize various sizes of substrates. Overall, the observations suggest that Hymenochaetopsis tabacina is a common species in East and Central Texas, particularly in areas with deciduous trees.