Serpula (fungus) cover the surface they are growing on (known as the substrate). The hymenophore, or spore-forming surface, generally has a wrinkled appearance. The species grow on, and digest, mainly coniferous wood, causing a process known as brown rot. One species, dry rot ("S. lacrymans"), is a highly destructive agent of houses. Damp structural timber is an ideal substrate for the germination of "Serpula" spores. The fungal hyphae penetrate the wood and release enzymes that break down structural polysaccharides such as cellulose. There may be no external indications that the fungus is present until the rot is far advanced and fruit bodies
Affliction (1997 film) Driver", "American Gigolo" and "Light Sleeper"), Schrader has stated that the ending of "Affliction" was what made it different from them: "One of the differences between things that I have written and Russell's book is that I tend to end my pieces on a kind of grace note, and this one has none. I like some sense of moral grace. But "Affliction" is pretty bleak at the end." He also added, "I view the film as a collaboration between myself and Russell Banks." Nick Nolte was Schrader's first choice for the role of Wade Whitehouse. Schrader told Charlie Rose that