splitgill mushroom

What it is

Schizophyllum commune is a species of fungus in the genus Schizophyllum. The mushroom resembles undulating waves of tightly packed corals or loose chinese fan. "Gillies" or Split Gills vary from creamy yellow to pale white in colour. The cap is small, 1-4.5 cm wide with a dense yet spongey body texture. It is known as the split-gill mushroom because of the unique longitudinally divided nature of the gill producing basidospores, which often splits when they dry...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find it all over the United States, growing on dead or dying trees and logs in forests and woodlands.

How to find it

Look for small, fan-shaped fungi growing directly on dead wood. They are often found in clusters.

Best time of day

Year-round, especially after rain.

How it lives

What it eats

Dead wood, which it breaks down for energy.

What eats it

Some insects and slugs.

Worth knowing

• It is one of the most widespread fungi in the world.
• Its gills split open when dry and close when wet.
• Scientists are studying its special abilities.
• It can survive in very dry conditions for a long time.
• It has a furry or hairy texture on top.
• It helps clean up the forest floor by breaking down old wood.

Why it matters

Splitgill mushrooms are decomposers, breaking down dead wood. This returns important nutrients to the soil for other plants.