Dry Rot (Serpula lacrymans)
Identification;

If there is no mycelium/growth then all the one can say is the damage is 'brown' rot. The 'cuboidal cracking' however, is generally larger than found in other brown rots.

Mycelium varies depending on conditions:


a: under dryer conditions - 'silvery-grey' to buff to fawn skin.
Mycelium 'peels' like mushroom.
Many have lilac/yellow patches. Mycelium 'peels' like a mushroom.

b: under more humid conditions - white cotton wool-like growth.
May be 'tear-drops' present under very wet and humid conditions.
Grey mycelium may be present in cracks in wood.

Strands my be present. These develop within the mycelium and are brittle when dry.
Growth may extend over and through non-wood materials, eg, soil, plaster mortar, etc.
Fruiting body - large fleshy plate/bracket with reddish brown surface and white margin. Pores wide and shallow.
Larger numbers of rust red spores may be present.
A musty-mouldy odour present when active.