Phellinus punctatus

Phellinus punctatus is a polypore that lives on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees. It does not have a separate cap but has a flat fruit body. It is cinnamon brown in colour and can grow to a couple of centimets thick.

Its host trees are particularly willows (Salix sp.), but also rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), bird cherry (Prunus padus) and hazel (Corylus avellana). It can be found across Eurasia. The Phellinus punctatus can be confused with its relative Phellinus conchatus.

Phellinus punctatus is a wood decayer. It grows on living and dead trees, forming white rot. In forest management, ensuring a healthy proportion of deciduous trees and increasing the density of deadwood benefit Phellinus punctatus.