fungi · GBIF taxon 5246898
Hexagonal-pored Polypore
Polyporus arculariusAlso known as Spring Polypore, Fringed Polypore
This distinctive wood-decay fungus features a circular, tan to dark brown cap with a finely fringed or hairy margin. Its most defining characteristic is the underside, which displays large, angular, hexagonal pores arranged in radiating rows. It grows on decaying hardwood twigs and branches, playing a vital role in forest nutrient cycling.
Wood-DecaySpring-FruitingSaprobic
Licensed referenceRocky Houghtby from Chicago, Il, USA / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Saprobic (decomposes dead hardwood)
- family
- Polyporaceae
- threats
- Habitat destruction and removal of coarse woody debris
- life Span
- Ephemeral fruiting bodies (weeks); perennial underground mycelium
NE
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
- Examine the pores: Turn the cap over to observe the diagnostic hexagonal pore pattern.
- Check the margin: Look closely at the cap edge for tiny, hair-like fringes.
- Note the substrate: Observe whether it is growing on fallen branches or buried wood.