Definition

Noun: - A type of fungus (Polyporus squamosus, also known as Cerioporus squamosus) characterized by having a cap with distinctive brown scales, a lateral or off-center stalk when present, and pores on its underside instead of gills. It is a bracket fungus commonly found on living or dead hardwood trees.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • We identified the scaly polypore growing on the old maple tree.
  • The forager noted that the scaly polypore is also commonly called the "dryad's saddle".

Advanced Usage

• In Mycology: The term is used to specifically refer to the species within the family Polyporaceae. It is described as a "polypore" due to its porous hymenium (spore-bearing surface).
  • The scaly polypore is considered a saprophytic and weakly parasitic fungus.

Variants and Related Words

• Dryad's Saddle: A common name for the same fungus, referencing its saddle-like shape and mythical association with tree nymphs (dryads).
• Pheasant's Back Fungus: Another common name, alluding to the pattern on its cap resembling a pheasant's feathers.
• Polyporus squamosus: The formal scientific binomial name.

Synonyms

• Dryad's Saddle
• Pheasant's Back Fungus

Related Phrases

• Bracket Fungus: A general category for woody, shelf-like fungi to which the scaly polypore belongs.
• Polypore: The broader group of fungi with a porous underside, as opposed to gilled mushrooms.

Noun

1. a fungus with a lateral stalk (when there is a stalk) and a scaly cap that becomes nearly black in maturity; widely distributed in the northern hemisphere