Species details

Artist's conk

Ganoderma applanatum

Inedible
Artist's conk – Ganoderma applanatum

Photo: Pieria · Public Domain · Photo source · License

Description

A large perennial brown bracket with a white pore surface that bruises brown when touched.

Identification features

The pore surface can be 'drawn' on because pressure leaves permanent dark marks.

Identification checklist

Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A large perennial brown bracket with a white pore surface that bruises brown when touched. The pore surface can be 'drawn' on because pressure leaves permanent dark marks. Typical habitat: On stumps and trunks of many hardwoods in parks and woodland.

How to separate similar species

Compare especially with these similar species: Fomes fomentarius, Ganoderma australe. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.

Habitat

On stumps and trunks of many hardwoods in parks and woodland.

Fruiting period

January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Similar species

Extended-description sources