Serpula lacrymans

The fruiting bodies are annual, usually resupinate, 5-30 cm across, although they initially appear in shape of white cotton flakes. Later a yellowish orange to orange russet hymenium forms on the undulations in the centre. The cap retains a 2 cm wide white margin. The fruiting bodies develop in summer and autumn, but instead of outdoor habitats they inhabit dark cellars and lofts without access of light. Timber of dry constructions is also endangered, as the fungus doesn’t need much moisture. The fungus also creates white mycelial fans and string-shaped rhizomorphs. The decaying wood is brown and breaks in angular chunks. Water is generated by decay so copiously that mycelium is dewed with drops increasing the humidity of the site.