Gilled Polypore
ExploreFungi
Gilled Polypore
trametes betulina
The Gilled Polypore is a unique mushroom that looks like a colorful shelf on the side of a tree! It's a fun find for little explorers discovering the wonders of nature.
Habitat: Forests, often on decaying wood or tree trunks.
Appearance
The Gilled Polypore is a fan-shaped or shelf-like fungus with a velvety or hairy cap, typically white to cream, often with concentric zones of tan or brown. Its underside features distinctive maze-like, labyrinthine pores that resemble gills, setting it apart from true gilled mushrooms.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyPolyporaceaeGenusLenzites
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its scientific name often points to its love for birch trees!
People once used dried Gilled Polypores as strops to sharpen razors!
Some cultures use this fungus to make a natural, earthy dye for fabrics!
Wow, these 'gills' aren't real gills at all, but rather elongated pores!
Special abilities
Ability
The Decomposer's Touch
Gilled Polypore can break down tough dead wood because it produces powerful enzymes that help recycle nutrients.
Ability
The Evergreen Bracket
Gilled Polypore has a tough, leathery texture that helps it persist on wood year-round, even in harsh weather.
Ability
The Pore Maze
Gilled Polypore has labyrinthine pores that help protect its white spores until they are ready for release.
Measurements & details
- Edibility
- inedible
- Cap Diameter
- 2-10 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Year-round
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
depends on
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
obtains nutrients from dead wood
depends on
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
grows on decaying logs and stumps
eats
Horned Fungus Beetle
Bolitotherus cornutus
provides food source for larvae and adults
Traits
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
Wood Rot Fungus
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gilled Polypore edible?
inedible
How big is Gilled Polypore?
2-10 cm
Where is Gilled Polypore usually found?
Forests, often on decaying wood or tree trunks.
What does Gilled Polypore grow on?
wood
When is Gilled Polypore in season?
Year-round
What color are Gilled Polypore spores?
White
Snap Map
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