Black-staining Polypore

Scientific Name: Meripilus sumstinei

Category: fungi

Black-staining Polypore

Brief Description

A large, overlapping cluster of fleshy, fan-shaped caps that rapidly stain black when bruised or aged.

Characteristics

Forms massive rosettes up to 50 cm across consisting of numerous overlapping caps. The upper surface is whitish to tan or dark brown, velvety to smooth. Pores are white and bruise black instantly. Flesh is white and watery-tough when fresh, turning black when cut.

Habitat

Found growing terrestrially at the base of hardwood trees, particularly oaks, or from buried roots.

When to Find It

Summer to autumn

Conservation Status

N/A

Ecological Role

Acts as a saprotrophic and parasitic fungus, causing white rot in the roots and base of hardwood trees, thus cycling nutrients back into the forest ecosystem.

Easily Confused With

Bondarzewia berkeleyi (Berkeley's polypore) which does not stain black, and Grifola frondosa (Hen of the Woods) which has smaller, grey-brown fronds and does not bruise black.

Observation Tips

Look around the bases of mature deciduous trees in late summer and autumn. Gently touch the pore surface to observe the characteristic black bruising reaction.

Interesting Facts

The black staining reaction is an enzymatic process activated when the cells are damaged, which helps protect the fungus from certain predators.