Shelves growing on a trunk

In Laetiporus sulphureus, Kew describes yellow reproductive structures arranged like shelves on trees. The fungus acts on dead wood inside trunks and larger branches, contributing to its decomposition. This description explains a growth form; it does not confirm the species in Cabeceiras or allow other fungi to be identified by colour alone.

The yellow belongs to the structure visible outside; the fungus’s activity extends into the wood. Kew describes decay that turns it brown and can leave cavities inside. Looking only at the shelves therefore shows just part of the process. Its presence on a tree does not mean every part of the tree is dead: the text refers to dead wood inside trunks and branches. This description does not assess the stability of individual trees.