.jpg&width=800)
Cracked Cap Polypore
ExploreFungi
Cracked Cap Polypore
fulvifomes robiniae
The Cracked Cap Polypore is a fascinating fungus that grows on trees! Its unique cracked cap looks like it's wearing a cool hat!
Habitat: It typically lives on decaying hardwood trees in forests.
Appearance
The Cracked Cap Polypore is a woody, hoof-shaped fungus with a distinctive dark brown to black cap margin and an orange-brown pore surface. Its upper surface is often deeply cracked and zoned, making it visually distinct from smoother polypores on similar trees.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderHymenochaetalesFamilyHymenochaetaceaeGenusPhellinus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It can live for many years, growing new layers each season like tree rings!
Its super tough body makes it one of the hardest fungi in the forest!
Look closely for tiny holes on its underside where millions of spores are released!
This mushroom makes its home on a special tree called the Black Locust!
Special abilities
Ability
Woody Recycler
Cracked Cap Polypore can break down dead hardwood because it has powerful enzymes that help them return nutrients to the soil.
Ability
Crack Keeper
Cracked Cap Polypore has a deeply cracked cap that helps them release spores and endure dry conditions over years.
Ability
Tree Toughener
Cracked Cap Polypore has a very hard, woody texture that helps them resist pests and survive long on tree trunks.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 3-10 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-30 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Year-round, but active in summer/fall
- Spore Color
- Brown
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Black Locust
Robinia pseudoacacia
Causes heart rot in its favorite host tree.
eats
Minute Tree-Fungus Beetle
Cis boleti
Feeds on woody fruiting bodies of polypore fungi.
depends on
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
Woodpeckers find insects in the weakened, rotting wood.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
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 Locust FungusCracked Cap MushroomLocust Polypore
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cracked Cap Polypore?
3-10 cm
Is Cracked Cap Polypore edible?
inedible
How big is Cracked Cap Polypore?
10-30 cm
Where is Cracked Cap Polypore usually found?
It typically lives on decaying hardwood trees in forests.
What does Cracked Cap Polypore grow on?
wood
When is Cracked Cap Polypore in season?
Year-round, but active in summer/fall
What color are Cracked Cap Polypore spores?
Brown
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
_O.K._Mill_187387.jpg&width=800)
_Burdsall%2C_Banik%2C_%26_Volk_342547.jpg&width=800)