BRACKET or SHELF FUNGI - Usually found in single or multiple rows on dead or living trees, though types like Polyporus are more mushroom like.

 

EXPLANATION FOR COMMON TOADSTOOL AND FUNGI NAME

Bjerkandera adusta [Smoky Polypore] : Its underside pores are a smoky grey colour

Chondrostereum purpureum [Silver-Leaf Fungus] : Name from effect it has on the foliage of cherry trees that it mainly effects

Ganoderma applanatum [Artist's Fungus] : Can scratch permanent marks on the underside

Phaeolus schweinitzii [Dyer's Polypore] : A source of green, gold, yellow or brown dye, depending on material being dyed

Piptoporus betulinus [Razor-Strop Fungus] : In Victorian era in England, poorer people used this to sharpen open razors instead of a leather strap

Polyporus squamosus [Dryad's Saddle or Pheasant's Back Mushroom] : A dryad is a fabled wood nymph that used this as a seat and the Pheasant's Back                because of the pattern on the cap.