Wet rot - 'Poria' species, including Amyloporia xantha, Fibroporia vaillantii, Poria placenta (brown rots)

Habitat:

Generally found in softwoods. Together, this group are a common cause of rot in damp woodwork in buildings, frequently where the temperature is higher, and can cause extensive damage (particularly Fibroporia vaillantii).

Damage characteristics:

Resembles Serpula lacrymans - wood breaks up into cube-shaped pieces, but the decayed wood is lighter in colour and cracks are not as deep as those caused by Serpula lacrymans.

Fungal characteristics:

Mycelium White or cream sheets, or fern-like growths. May discolour brown on contact with iron.

Strands Seldom thicker than twine, white to cream, they remain flexible when dry. Only well developed in Fibroporia vaillantii.

Fruit-body Irregular lumpy sheets or plates, white or cream to pale yellow. Spore-bearing surface is white to pale yellow, occasionally with pink patches (Poria placenta only), with numerous tiny pores.

Amyloporia xantha - fruit-body