Fomitopsis supina

Fomitopsis supina is a species of fungus in the family Fomitopsidaceae. It is commonly known as the supine shelf fungus or supine polypore. This species is found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Taxonomy

The Fomitopsis supina was first described scientifically by Elias Magnus Fries in 1857. The genus name Fomitopsis comes from the Latin fomes, meaning "tinder", and -opsis, meaning "resembling". The species name supina refers to the fungus's tendency to grow in a supine, or lying down, position.

Description

The Fomitopsis supina is a polypore, a type of fungus that forms large fruiting bodies with pores or tubes on the underside. The fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis supina are typically fan- or shelf-shaped, and can range in color from white to brown. The upper surface is often rough and cracked, while the underside is white and covered in tiny pores.

Habitat and distribution

Fomitopsis supina is a saprophytic fungus, meaning it feeds on dead or decaying organic material. It is commonly found on dead hardwood trees, particularly birch and beech. The fungus is widely distributed and has been reported in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Uses

While not typically used for culinary purposes due to its tough texture, Fomitopsis supina has been used in traditional medicine in some cultures. It is also of interest to researchers for its potential antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

See also

• List of Fomitopsis species
• Polypore