Root Rot - Heterobasidion annosum

A very variable perennial species that can form rounded brackets or be completely resupinate.  The cap or reflexed part is smooth and brown, darkening wth age; the pore surface is cream with c. 3 - 4 pores per mm.   A new layer of tubes and pores is formed each year.

Photograph upper surface and lower fertile surface to show cap and pores; note host plant and substrate. 

Almost always conifers, mostly Pines, low down near the roots; very rarely deciduous trees.  It causes a pinkish white rot that hollows out the trunk - a serious pathogen of some conifer plantations. 

All year round.

Fairly frequent and widespread in suitable locations in Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.