Splitgill - Schizophyllum commune

Seen from above, this is just another small white bracket-like fungus, but on the underside of the cap there are radial gill-like folds, each of which is centrally split - hence the common name Splitgill.

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Often seen on sickly hardwood trees, but equally common on dead wood including cut timber. It grows as a sessile bracket on the undersides of branches or forms centrally-attached circular fans.

The long-lived fruitbodies of Schizophyllum commune can be seen throughout the year.

The splits in the gills of Schizophyllum commune close over the fertile surfaces as the fruitbody shrivels during prolonged dry weather, rehydrating when moistened by rain; then the splits reopen, the spore-producing surfaces are exposed to the air, and spores are released.

Widespread in southern Britain, more scattered further north and in the east.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.