Charcoal Fungus

Fomes fomentarius

Charcoal Fungus is a special kind of mushroom that grows on trees. It looks black and is often found in forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Charcoal Fungus is a tough, hoof-shaped or shelf-like fungus, often gray to brownish-black on its upper surface with distinctive concentric growth rings. Its underside is usually a pale, creamy white or gray, covered in tiny pores. It looks like a hard, stony growth on tree trunks.

KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyFomitopsidaceaeGenusFomes

Charcoal Fungus

Interesting facts

Ancient humans, like Ötzi the Iceman, carried this fungus for survival!

It can live for many years, adding new growth layers each season.

Its tough inner layer can be pounded into a leather-like material called amadou.

Some people use parts of it to make unique, non-toxic art paper!

Special abilities

Charcoal Fungus has enzymes that help them break down dead wood, recycling nutrients back into the forest.

Charcoal Fungus can absorb liquids and stop bleeding because its inner tissue is highly absorbent, used historically as a styptic.

Charcoal Fungus has compounds that help them deter insects, protecting its fruiting body from pests.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-30 cm
Edibility: inedible
Cap Diameter: 5-45 cm
Growth Substrate: wood
Season: Year-round
Spore Color: White

Ecological connections

parasitizes

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

Causes decay in the heartwood of the tree.

parasitizes

Silver Birch

Betula pendula

Contributes to the decomposition of dead wood.

eaten by

Fungus Beetle

Orchesia micans

Larvae feed on the tough bracket fungus.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Spore Producing

Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.