The milk-white toothed polypore (Irpex lacteus) is a tough polypore that has jagged, tooth-like ridges on its underside. Considered a "crust fungus," this species often coats the surfaces of dead branches and tree boles. A hardy generalist, the milk-white toothed polypore can be found in remote and urban areas alike. It has a global distribution, being found just about anywhere temperate forests are located.
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Milk-white toothed polypore
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Attributes of Milk-white toothed polypore
Height
6 - 12 cm
Cap
0.375-1.5 inches wide; whitish to grayish; densely covered with velvety hairs
Flesh
Flesh thin; tough; whitish
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive
Body Color
White
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Clustered
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic, Parasitic
Substrate
Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees
You can find Milk-white toothed polypore by these plants:
The milk-white toothed polypore grows in woods and wooded areas. It grows on the undersides of fallen logs and branches largely of deciduous trees, and conifers more rarely.
Scientific Classification of Milk-white toothed polypore
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Tips for Finding Milk-white toothed polypore
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What are Some Tips for Finding Milk-white toothed polypore
Search around fallen hardwood logs and stumps as milk-white toothed polypore tends to colonize these areas.
Check the underside and sides of logs rather than just the tops, as milk-white toothed polypore can grow in these less visible spots.
Examine areas with plenty of dead or decaying wood, as milk-white toothed polypore thrives in such environments.
Be observant of any hardwood that appears to have a white coating as milk-white toothed polypore can cause a whitish discoloration on the wood it grows.
Although milk-white toothed polypore is not soil-bound, be aware of its presence at the base of living trees, especially cherry trees.
How to Clean and Preserve Milk-white toothed polypore
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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