Fungus · GBIF taxon 2549583
Ganoderma zonatum
Ganoderma zonatumAlso known as Palm Butt Rot Fungus, Zone-Capped Ganoderma
Ganoderma zonatum forms distinctive, woody, shelf-like fruiting bodies on the lower trunks of susceptible palm trees. The upper surface displays reddish-brown concentric zones with a pale growing margin, while the undersurface consists of tiny pores that release microscopic brown spores. Infection causes internal rot near the base of the tree, frequently leading to structural failure and the sudden collapse of mature palms.
Bracket FungusPalm PathogenWood-Decay
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Palm wood
- Lignin
- Cellulose
Predators
- Fungus beetles
- Mites
- Nematodes
ThreatsHost tree removal and landscape sanitation practices
HabitatsTropical and subtropical forests, palm plantations, urban landscapes
Life spanPerennial bracket structures persist for multiple years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPolyporaceae
- SpeciesGanoderma zonatum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Tree inspection: Check the bottom four to five feet of palm trunks for emerging reddish-brown brackets.
- Preventing spread: Avoid wounding host palms with yard equipment to limit fungal entry points.
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