Phlebiopsis crassa is a crust-like fungus that grows on decaying wood, particularly oak and pine. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to fruit throughout the year, with peak activity during spring and fall. The fungus produces resupinate to effused-reflexed basidiocarps, 0.1-2 mm thick, with a smooth to tuberculate surface and white to cream-colored pores. It is commonly associated with dead branches and logs in hardwood forests and urban landscapes.
Violet crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a fallen tree branch on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, December 7, 2017 Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Close up of violet crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a fallen tree branch on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, December 7, 2017 Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Violet crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) spreading on a fallen branch of an oak on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, December 7, 2017 Kiwanis Nature Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77843, United States
Hymenochaete and a purple crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a fallen oak branch in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, February 28, 2018 College Avenue, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Hymenochaete together with a purple crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a fallen oak branch in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, February 28, 2018 College Avenue, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Hymenochaete (brown) and a purple crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) in Hensel Park. College Station, Texas, February 28, 2018 College Avenue, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas, 77801, United States
Violet woolly corticioid (crust) fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a mossy oak branch near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, November 24, 2018 811 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Close up of violet corticioid (crust) fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a fallen mossy oak branch near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, November 24, 2018 811 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Corticioid fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on underside of a fallen oak branch at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Close up of corticioid fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on underside of a fallen oak branch at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Violet crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 20, 2020 14802 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Violet crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) on a tree branch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 20, 2020 14802 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Close-up of violet crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa (Porostereum crassum) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 20, 2020 14802 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Corticioid mushroom Phlebiopsis crassa together with Hymenochaete on an oak branch near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, February 21, 2021 N Wilderness Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Details of corticioid mushroom Phlebiopsis crassa together with Hymenochaete on an oak branch near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, February 21, 2021 N Wilderness Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Close-up of corticioid mushroom Phlebiopsis crassa near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, February 21, 2021 N Wilderness Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Crust fungi Phlebiopsis crassa together with Hymenochaete on an oak branch near Pole Creek on North Wilderness Trail of Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, February 21, 2021 N Wilderness Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa on a fallen tree branch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 11, 2022 Racoon Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Close-up of crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa on a fallen tree branch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 11, 2022 Racoon Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Texture of crust fungus Phlebiopsis crassa on a fallen tree branch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 11, 2022 Racoon Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
Corticioid fungus Phlebiopsis crassa on a fallen tree branch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 11, 2022 Racoon Run Trail, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, United States
AI-generated summary of observations
Phlebiopsis crassa was observed growing on fallen tree branches and trunks in East and Central Texas, particularly in College Station and surrounding areas. The fungus was found on various types of wood, including oak branches, and often co-occurred with Hymenochaete. Observations were made throughout the year, from December to February, with multiple sightings at Kiwanis Nature Trail, Hensel Park, Somerville Lake State Park, Lick Creek Park, and Little Lake Creek Wilderness in Sam Houston National Forest. The fungus displayed a range of colors, including violet, purple, and brown, and had a crust-like or woolly texture. Close-up observations revealed detailed features of the fungus, including its growth patterns and interactions with other organisms. Overall, Phlebiopsis crassa appeared to be a common and widespread species in the region.