Coral-Pink Merulius
ExploreFungi
Coral-Pink Merulius
phlebia incarnata
The Coral-Pink Merulius (Phlebia incarnata) is a striking, wood-decaying fungus that graces deciduous forests with its vibrant hues. Growing as bracket-like or crust-like shelves on decaying hardwood logs, it plays a vital ecological role as a saprotrophic decomposer. This fungus is famous for producing white rot by selectively breaking down lignin, an organic polymer that gives wood its structural rigidity. In doing so, it recycles vital nutrients back into the forest soil, paving the way for new plant growth. While many fungi blend into the forest floor, the Coral-Pink Merulius demands attention with its stunning salmon, pink, or peach coloring. It is commonly encountered in Eastern North America during the damp days of late summer and autumn. Its unusual, wrinkled spore-bearing surface makes it an intriguing subject for amateur mycologists and hikers alike.
Habitat: Found on decaying hardwood logs and fallen branches in moist, temperate deciduous forests.
Appearance
This fungus forms semi-shelved, fused, or completely flat crusts measuring 2 to 10 centimeters across. The upper surface is covered in fine, velvety hairs and showcases a brilliant coral-pink, salmon-orange, or flesh-pink color, though it fades to pale buff or tan with age. The undersurface is characterized by a network of shallow, radiating wrinkles, folds, or pore-like veins, rather than true gills, displaying a similar vibrant pink hue.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyMeruliaceaeGenusPhlebia
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is an important contributor to the white-rot decay process, which is critical for nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Its stunning coral-pink color is highly sensitive to humidity and age, fading dramatically to a dull tan when dried out.
The wrinkled underside of this fungus is referred to as merulioid, a unique texture that sits halfway between gills and pores.
Special abilities
Ability
Lignin Degradation
Uses specialized extracellular enzymes to break down tough wood lignin, leaving behind soft white cellulose.
Ability
Desiccation Tolerance
Can withstand dry conditions by shrinking and halting spore production, reviving rapidly when moisture returns.
Ability
Surface Area Expansion
Features a highly wrinkled, merulioid underside that maximizes spore-producing surface area within a compact space.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2-10 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.1 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-5 years
Diet & Feeding
As a saprotrophic fungus, it feeds on decaying wood by releasing enzymes that break down complex plant cell walls.
Primary Foods
- Decaying oak wood
- Fallen maple logs
- Dead birch branches
Ecological connections
host plant
Northern Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Decomposes fallen wood and provides microhabitats
eaten by
Horned Fungus Beetle
Bolitotherus cornutus
Feeds on the fungal tissue and uses the brackets for shelter
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Coral-Pink Merulius?
The easiest way to identify Coral-Pink Merulius is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Coral-Pink Merulius?
2-10 cm
How much does Coral-Pink Merulius weigh?
0.01-0.1 kg
How long does Coral-Pink Merulius live?
1-5 years
What does Coral-Pink Merulius eat?
As a saprotrophic fungus, it feeds on decaying wood by releasing enzymes that break down complex plant cell walls.
Where is Coral-Pink Merulius usually found?
Found on decaying hardwood logs and fallen branches in moist, temperate deciduous forests.
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