Hexagonal Polypore; Honeycomb Polypore
This interesting polypore has fruiting bodies that may persist for 6 months or more after appearing in the spring on downed hardwood. It is primarily an eastern North America species. Caps may be stalkless and laterally attached with a kidney or fan shape or have a stalk that is eccentric or central (as shown here). The caps are orangish fading to white with numerous radial fibrils that give a velvety feel. They may reach 10cm broad but typically under 5cm as in the photo here. The surface is typically indented to infundibuliform. The largish pores are from 1-3mm long and 0.5-1.5mm broad, polygonal and mostly hexagonal to diamond-shaped. The pore surface is typically orange or whitish with orangish tints. Pores run somewhat down the stipe. The white to brownish or tan stipes (when present) may reach nearly 2.5cm long and are equal or slightly enlarged at the base. The flesh is thin and the taste may be mild or slightly bitter. When young the fungus is edible, if a bit chewy.