Many zoned polypore fungus on Ash

Fruiting bodies of the \many zoned polypore\" fungus, Trametes versicolor, at the surface of a fallen ash tree, Fraxinus excelsior, Borrowdale, Cumbria UK, photographed in September. T versicolor is a widespread and common cause of rot in fallen timber. As it does so it may giving rise to spalting - the production of patterns of dark brown or black lines within the wood, marking the edges of adjacent fungal colonies. This effect precedes serious rotting of the wood, and is highly prized for its decorative effect by wood turners. T. versicolor is also one of number of fungi that can be used in the production of hand-made papers.The picture shows the overlapping tiered brackets which are typical of this common fungus. As it specfic name implies, it shows a variety of colours, in concentric patterns on the upper surface of each bracket"