Split Gill Fungus (Schizophyllum commune)
Split Gill Fungus (Schizophyllum commune) – fungi with blush-colored gills and white, fuzzy pilei on a fallen oak branch in Northwest Georgia (Floyd County), US.
The common name was assigned to this fungus as its gills have a tendency to split when dessicated. Schizophyllum commune is a fungus that is widespread globally. It is found on every continent with the exception of Anarctica. It is known as a saprobic fungus but also has a history of causing mycosis in immunocompromised humans. There is even a report that S. commune was growing and forming fruiting bodies in the soft palate and sinuses of a child!
"Schizophyllum commune" is a species of fungus in the genus "Schizophyllum". The mushroom resembles undulating waves of tightly packed corals or a loose Chinese fan. Gillies or split-gills vary from creamy yellow to pale white in colour. The cap is small, 1–4 centimetres wide with a dense yet spongey body texture.
