This shelf-like fungus usually grows in large overlapping colonies on hardwood trees. Its individual mushrooms are quite variable in coloration, but fan-shaped, up to 5 inches wide, hairy with at least some purple on top, with purplish, maze-like pores or teeth below (B,C and D). The biforme in its scientific name apparently refers to the two possible forms of the pores which are either maze-like or tooth-like (D).
These mushrooms may be seen year around on dying, usually still standing hardwood trees of the upland woods, but they are uncommon in Fontenelle Forest. They persist over several seasons.
The tiny, greenish club-like structures seen in the close-up are fungi as well (Phaeocalicium polyporaeum)(Photo C). They are often found associated with the violet toothed polypore.
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