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 (Hamilton novel) Affliction (Hamilton novel) Affliction is a 2013 urban fantasy novel by Laurell K. Hamilton and is the 22nd in the "New York Times" bestselling series. The novel follows Anita Blake and her various lovers as she travels to Colorado and works to uncover a series of murders and infections involving flesh-eating zombies. Cover art was released to media outlets in October 2012. "Affliction" was published in July 2013 in hardcover and e-book editions. An unabridged audiobook followed later that year. "Affliction’s" publication coincided with the twentieth anniversary of the Anita Blake character. In 2013 it reached #5 on the "New