Fungus/lichen?

We’ve never had this on our tree before so can only put it down to the relentless rain we’ve been having...for weeks!

[Chris H]

That's interesting fungi and I think your right wet and reasonably mild ideal conditions.

[Louise]

Interesting find and great detail. With all that hair, I'm wondering if it's hairy curtain crust, usually and orange colour so may change colour as it grows? Though that fungus does usually grow on dead wood so if the tree is living, perhaps not!

[arthur clark]

lovely detail,

[KoalaGardens🐨]

it's a lovely colour!

[Carole Sandford]

Great detail!

[Speedwell]

Impressive!

[Lesley]

@chrisiow @roachling @arthurclark @koalagardens @carole_sandford @speedwell Thanks all. Louise, I'm still not sure what is is as it is growing on a perfectly healthy lilac bush (not strictly a tree, sorry).

[Louise]

@tinley23 Ah, I wasn't sure when I said it. It's definitely a bracket fungus of some kind, could also be turkey tail. Bracket fungi usually grow on dead or decaying wood so it may be a sign your lilac tree is nearing its end, sadly.

[Lesley]

@roachling Aha thanks Louise. You sure know your fungus. Sad that I may lose my lilac though.