It has been pointed out by some readers that some of these fungi may be G. lucidium while others say the opposite. This is based upon the fact that some of these pictures show a distinctive stalk which is a characteristic of G. lucidium. However, Roger Phillips book 'Mushrooms' also mentions for G. resinaceum as having a stem (quote: 'or on a thick rudimentary stem'). 

My advice is to keep an open mind whilst viewing these pictures.

Mainly found on broad leaved trees such as Oak and Beech. This fungus produces bracket shaped fruiting bodies which can be difficult to spot due to their dark colouring. I have seen them at the very bases of trees hidden in grass and woodland debris. A lot of web sites label the fungi as 'rare' but I have seen it quite frequently in Southampton, UK so maybe we are harbouring it!

It can be identified by its very glossy upper surface which really shines when wet. Its also quite soft inside with a thin hard crust which you may be able to push your thumb through.

I have noticed that these fungi fruiting bodies will appear on the same tree in some years and not in others.

This link opens a new page with three pictures taken of an Oak infected with this fungus. The tree was monitored and then ultimately felled.

A picture is included showing the extent of  decay within the stump.

Click on the picture or this link to view

This link opens a new page with a number of pictures taken of the same area of fungus over a course of 3 years.

Its interesting to see the growth and demise of the fungus which in this period produced two new clumps of fruiting bodies.

Please note the linked page contains a number of large sized pictures.

Click on the picture or this link to view

These fungal brackets were snapped growing on an Oak tree.

These pictures show the fungus growing on a Beech. These brackets appeared and grew to this size (240mm across) in just a few weeks, and were still increasing in size. During this stage they are very soft and can easily be damaged, but after a while they harden, darken and adopt the resinous coat.

They can be easily confused with 'Ganoderma lucidium', but the brackets of lucidium are supported on distinctive stalks, and are normally smaller in size.

A number of pictures of this fungus growing on a Holm Oak. Also includes a close up of a slice through the bracket.

Please note, the pictures are fairly large and on 2 pages, so those of you with slow connection speeds may experience a delay in display.

Click on the picture or this link to view.

These pictures show the fungus growing on a highway tree (Red Oak) in Southampton during 1999.

The tree was exhibiting consistent crown dieback and has since been removed and replaced (2002).