Tree Fungal Growth

Hi, I have this growth on my Sycamore and wondered if it is harmful?
It is wet to touch and appears to be full of sap.
Thanks all
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I will try again with the pics

 

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[ 29. July 2006, 06:04 PM: Message edited by: Mandolin4565 ]

 

It's a Bracket Fungus - either Beefsteak (Fistulina hepatica) or Dryad's Saddle (Polyporus squamosus). Does it have a sweet or a fruity smell?

In either case, what you are seeing is the reproductive, spore distributing "fruit" of the fungus. The actual fungus consists of an enormous network of fine threads throughout the tree. Eventually the fungus will cause the heart wood to rot, but that is perfectly natural and hollow trees can live for decades. Cutting off the visible brackets will have no effect whatsoever on the fungus and will not "save" your tree. Enjoy it

 

it does smell fruity, I wll keep an eye on it.
Thanks