sulphur shelf fungus Laetiporus sulphureus Kingdom: Fungi FEATURES Phylum: Basidiomycota The body of a fungus (mycelium) is made up of Class: Agaricomycetes strands called mycelia. The mycelium grows within Order: Polyporales the soil, a dead tree or other object and is rarely seen. The fruiting body that produces spores is Family: Polyporaceae generally present for only a short period of time but ILLINOIS STATUS is the most familiar part of the fungus to people. The sulphur shelf fungus produces brackets that do not common, native have stalks. They tend to grow in overlapping © James Veselenak clusters. The brackets are yellow or orange but become lighter in shade as they age. The upper surface of the bracket is smooth or wrinkled. The edge is often lobed or wavy. The bracket may be 12 inches wide.

BEHAVIORS The sulphur shelf fungus may be found statewide in Illinois. It grows on living trees and dead wood. The brackets may develop singly or in clusters. Unlike plants, fungi do not have roots, stems, leaves, flowers or seeds. The sulphur shelf fungus must absorb nutrients and water from the objects it grows in. Spores are produced in summer and fall. representative specimen The spores provide a means of reproduction, dispersal and survival in poor conditions. Spore production occurs when conditions are favorable, generally with warm temperatures and ample ILLINOIS RANGE moisture.

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Aquatic Habitats bottomland forests

Woodland Habitats bottomland forests; coniferous forests; southern Illinois lowlands; upland deciduous forests

Prairie and Edge Habitats none

© Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources.