Lloyd Mycological Writings V4.pdf - MykoWeb

FOMES LIGNOSUS.
We reproduce a photograph of Femes lignosus, growing on the
roots of a rubber tree. We received the photograph from C. B.
Ussher, Java, who wrote as follows:
"This plant was growing on the roots of Hevea rubber tree.
The tree was unhealthy in December and the soil was removed from
the roots. They were mostly found dead. When the tree died in
January, this fungus was found growing on the roots. No doubt the
fungus killed the tree."
Fig. 515
Pomes lignosus.
Photograph by C. B. Ussher.
That Fomes ligncsus is a destructive parasite of the rubber tree,
has been fully brought out by Professor Fetch in his latest work on
"Diseases of the Rubber Tree." Professor Petch gave a good illustration
of the plant, but unfortunately called it Polyporus semi-
tostus, which is due to a misdetermination of one of his predecessors.
The type of Polyporus semitostus at Kew is a different plant.
Fomes lignosus was named by Klotzsch from Mauritius, and the
type specimen is in a jar at Upsala. Like all common plants, it has
been discovered to be a "new species" on numerous occasions. Berke-
ley called it Fomes contractus; Fries, Fomes Kamphoveneri Mon-
;
tagne, Fomes Auberianus. It is now a most common fungus in the
tropics, but generally takes the lignescent Polyporus form rather
than the Fomes form. In fact, I have never seen but one collection
that was typically a Fomes.
519