Phellinus kamahi (G. Cunn.) P.K. Buchanan & Ryvarden 1988
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Nomenclature
Classification
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Descriptions
Phellinus kamahi (G. Cunn.) P.K. Buchanan & Ryvarden 1988
Specific features are the narrow setae of moderate size, narrowly obovate apiculate spores, small pores and vaguely stratose fructifications ferruginous when fresh, becoming discoloured and sometimes black when old. Some specimens extend for more than one metre on sides of fallen logs. Commonly of one layer to 6 mm thick, extensive specimens may attain a thickness of 12 mm and consist of two or occasionally three layers, sometimes clearly defined with colour zones between, at others only vaguely defined, occasionally with a delicate layer of context hyphae. In old specimens pores may be stuffed and sometimes the upper part of dissepiments indurated and impregnated with a resinous material so that tissues are firm and woody and the colour changes to black. Setae are slightly smaller in collections from Dysoxylum spectabile, but spores and other features are the same as in the type. The name of the species is taken from the Maori name, kamahi, of one host, Weinmannia racemosa, on which the species is abundant throughout New Zealand. Formerly I described the species under the name of Fomes nigro-limitatus (Rom.) Egel. (Cunningham 1948g, p. 9). It differs in colour, fewer strata, skeletal hyphae, smaller setae, differently shaped spores and in being completely resupinate. `F.' nigro-limitatus is confined to conifers and produces a conspicuous white pocket rot in its hosts.
LOCALITY: Mamaku Forest, Auckland.