BASIDIOMYCETES: Aphyllophorales, Polyporaceae

Red-belt Fungus, Formitopsis pinicola or Formes pinicola

Basidiomycetes, order: Aphyllophorales, family: Polyporaceae

Width to 12"

The Red-belt Fungus is a stemless, convex or hoof-shaped fungus that forms a shelf upon dead wood and stumps. It is hard and tough, with concentric rings of brownish-red to black above, bright red near the edge, and white at the margin. The spongy tube and pore surface of the underside is white or pale yellow. Spore print is white or yellowish. The mushroom grows throughout the year in western and northern North America, becoming larger as it adds more material from season to season. Not edible because the flesh is too tough to eat. Also known as the Red-belted Conk and Red-belted Polypore.