Inonotus and similar spp.

Scientific names: Onnia circinata (Fr.) P. Karst.;
Inonotus cuticularis (Bull.) P. Karst.; Inocutis
dryophila (Berk.) Fiasson & Niemela; and Inonotus
hispidus (Bull.) P. Karst.
Derivation of name: Inonotus means "fibrous" (ino-)
and"ear-like" (ot-).
Synonymy: Inonotus circinatus (Fr.) Teng is a
synonym for Onnia circinata and Inonotus dryophilus
(Berk.) Merrill is a synonym for Inocutis dryophila.
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Hymenochaetales
Family:   Hymenochaetaceae
Comments: A number of Inonotus and related species
occur in the Northeast. These annual species may be
resupinate, effused-reflexed, sessile or stalked. Many
are yellowish to reddish-brown and darken with age.
They have a brownish context and usually have
microscopic setae. Many are parasites of deciduous or
conifer trees. Some occur at the base of the tree and
others are high up on the tree. Most require the use of
a microscope to identify them with certainty and are
therefore not included in these keys. A few species
are pictured below.

    

Figure 1. Inonotus hispidus, a parasite of deciduous trees,
particularly oaks. Older specimens of this species will
develop dark brown hairs and blackish/brownish pores.
Photo © Larry Grand.

Figure 2. Onnia circinata is a parasite of conifers.
This specimen has been sectioned to show the context.
Photo © Steve Nelsen.

Figure 3. Inonotus cuticularis is a saprophyte of dead
deciduous trees.
Photo © John Plischke III.

Figure 4. Inocutis dryophila is a parasite of
deciduous trees, primarily oaks.
Photo © Larry Grand.