Rhodofomes cajanderi explained

Rhodofomes cajanderi is a widely distributed species of bracket fungus. Commonly known as the rosy conk due to its rose-colored pore surface, it causes a disease called a brown pocket rot in various conifer species.[1] It is inedible.[2] It is widespread in western North America, with more prevalence in southern climates. It has a particular preference for higher-altitude spruce forests.

Identification

Rhodofomes cajanderi is a perennial shelf fungus. It may be identified by its small-to-medium-sized, fleshy, tough fruit-body, with a downy or crust-like top.[3] It grows to around wide.[4] The top surface is a pink colour becoming to grey, brown, or black, with a clear margin. The inside of the conk and the bottom are a rosy pink colour. The body of the fungus is rigid and can grow up to 1 cm thick. There are 3–5 round pores per millimeter.

This species of polypore is morphologically similar to its relative, Rhodofomes roseus. Other similar species include Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma lucidum, Ganoderma oregonense, and Rhodonia placenta.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Ginns, J. H. (James Herbert). Polypores of British Columbia (Fungi: Basidiomycota). 2017. 978-0-7726-7053-3. Victoria, BC. 982126526.
  2. Book: Phillips, Roger . Mushrooms and Other Fungi of North America . 2010 . Firefly Books . Buffalo, NY . 978-1-55407-651-2 . 309.
  3. Book: Watling, Roy.. Identification of the larger fungi. 1973. Hulton. 0-7175-0595-2. Amersham. 1200490.
  4. Book: Davis. R. Michael. Field Guide to Mushrooms of Western North America. Sommer. Robert. Menge. John A.. University of California Press. 2012. 978-0-520-95360-4. Berkeley. 346–347. 797915861.