Black-Staining Polypore
ExploreFungi
Black-Staining Polypore
meripilus sumstinei
The Black-Staining Polypore is a fascinating mushroom that grows in large clusters on the ground or on wood. Its unique, dark appearance can change color when touched, making it an exciting find for young explorers!
Habitat: It lives in forests, often found near decaying wood or on the ground.
Appearance
The Black-Staining Polypore has large, fan-shaped caps, often tan to reddish-brown, that merge into a massive, multi-lobed cluster at the base of trees. Its creamy white underside, made of tiny pores, quickly turns dark gray to black when bruised or cut. This distinct staining makes it easy to identify.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyMeripilaceaeGenusMeripilus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Instead of gills, it has millions of tiny pore tubes!
It often grows in a beautiful rosette shape at tree bases!
Older mushrooms become very tough and woody, not soft!
This mushroom can weigh as much as a bowling ball!
Special abilities
Ability
Stain Master
Black-Staining Polypore can turn dark black when touched because of unique enzymes that react quickly with air.
Ability
Tree Doctor
Black-Staining Polypore helps decompose dead hardwood trees because it releases enzymes to break down tough wood.
Ability
Giant Builder
Black-Staining Polypore can grow to enormous sizes, sometimes over 20 kg, that helps it release millions of spores.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-50 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-90 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Summer to fall
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Black Staining FungusMeripilusSumstinei Mushroom
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or picking mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Black-Staining Polypore?
10-50 cm
Is Black-Staining Polypore edible?
edible
How big is Black-Staining Polypore?
10-90 cm
Where is Black-Staining Polypore usually found?
It lives in forests, often found near decaying wood or on the ground.
What does Black-Staining Polypore grow on?
wood
When is Black-Staining Polypore in season?
Summer to fall
What color are Black-Staining Polypore spores?
White
Snap Map
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