Hymenochæte is from two Greek words, hymen, a membrane; chæte, a bristle.
In this genus the cap or pileus may be attached to the host by a central stem, or at one side, but most frequently upon its back. The genus is known by the velvety or bristly appearance of the fruiting surface, due to smooth, projecting, thick-walled cells. I have found several species but have only been sure of three.
Hymenochæte rubiginosa. (Schr.) Lev.
Rubiginosa means full of rust, so called from the color of the plant.
The pileus is rigid, coriaceous, resupinate, effused, reflexed, the lower margin generally adhering firmly, somewhat fasciated; velvety, rubiginous or rusty in color, then becoming smooth and bright brown, the intermediate stratum tawny-ferruginous. The hymenium ferruginous and velvety. It is found here upon soft woods such as chestnut stumps and willow.
Hymenochæte Curtisii. Berk.
Curtisii is named in honor of Mr. Curtis.
The pileus is coriaceous, firm, resupinate, effused, reflexed, brown, slightly sulcate; the hymenium velvety with brown bristles. This is common on partially decayed oak branches in the woods.
Hymenochæte corrugata. Berk.
Corrugata means bearing wrinkles or folds.