Shelf Fungi Pictures/Ecology/Uses/Helpful references

Shelf fungi can be found on living trees, old stumps or downed logs. They are sometimes called Bracket fungi or Polypores.  What we are able to see is actually only the fruiting body of these fungi. Shelf fungi are often thought of as valuable decomposers of downed or dying wood helping to return nutrients back to the soil. Some of these fungi are parasitic.  As parasites they may infiltrate wounds in trees, or find a way to fight the trees defenses. Some for example, may lie dormant in wounds and wait until the tree is stressed. The hyphae of the fungus is able to use enzymes to break down and  absorb nutrients from the living or dead wood. In parasitic types by the time a fruiting body appears, the mycelium that we can't see may have already caused a lot of damage to the tree internally. Ecologically, decomposition by fungi is though of as a valued and normal process in forests and wooded areas.

   These images of shelf fungi that I photographed here in the Hudson Valley Area of NY were all on trees that were down or appeared already dead.  It seems to help when trying to identify these fungi to know what trees they were growing on as some species are more tree specific than others. Some are not edible because they are too woody or crusty. Some species are poisonous. Certain species of Shelf type fungi  have been used for food, others for decorations, some for medicines, dyes, or for fire starting purposes, many countries have traditional uses for different species.

 Some Notable Species: Sulphur Shelf Fungus -Chicken of the Woods, a highly edible but parasitic shelf type fungus. Fomes fomentarius-used as a fire starter, possibly used since neolithic times, Gandoderma applantum- artist conk.

Interesting websites:  plants.alaska.gov/publications/pdf.conks -labeled pictures of shelf fungi and traditional uses by indigenous people.
biology.ewu.edu/aHerr - Fungi- Recyclers, Killers and Plant Partners for more on fungi in general, clear.
northernwoodlands.org-easy to understand, educational, helpful.
americanmushrooms.com/gallery -labeled pictures of species common in US/ also see mushroomhobby.com/gallery/polypores/index.