Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app
Open the appDescription
Ganoderma applanatum, commonly known as the Artist's Conk, is a widespread bracket fungus known for its use as a drawing surface. It is a perennial fungus, meaning it can live for many years, and is typically found on dead or dying hardwood trees. The fungus plays a significant role in wood decay.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically a dull brown or grayish-brown color, often with concentric ridges or furrows. The surface is smooth but can become cracked or rough with age. A fresh specimen will have a white pore surface that darkens when bruised, making it suitable for drawing.
- Gills
- This fungus does not have gills. Instead, it has a porous surface on the underside.
- Stem
- It is typically stemless, attaching directly to the wood.
- Flesh
- The flesh is tough and corky, with a dark brown color.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is a hard, woody bracket or shelf-like structure that attaches broadly to the tree. It can grow quite large, sometimes exceeding 50 cm in width.
- Habitat
- It grows on dead or dying hardwood trees, particularly beech, maple, and oak. It can be found in forests and wooded areas worldwide.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dull brown or grayish-brown, smooth but can become cracked
- Growth Form: Bracket or shelf-like
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Brown
- Odor: Mild, woody or fungal
- Flesh bruises: Pore surface darkens when bruised
- Height: Up to 50 cm or more in width
- Cap Diameter: Variable, up to 50 cm or more
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic or parasitic
Safe
SafeGanoderma applanatum is generally considered non-toxic. However, it is not typically consumed due to its tough texture and bitter taste.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, woody or fungal odor
- Fruiting: Perennial, year-round
- Substrate: Dead or dying hardwood trees
Where to Find
North America
Common in forests across the continent, particularly in areas with hardwood trees.
Europe
Found in various European countries, often in deciduous forests.
Asia
Widespread in Asian countries, including China and Japan.
Finding Tips
Look on Hardwoods
Search for the fungus on dead or dying hardwood trees such as beech, maple, and oak.
Check Forested Areas
Explore forests and wooded areas, especially those with mature trees.
Examine Tree Trunks
Check the trunks of trees for shelf-like structures attached to the bark.
Similar Species
Red Reishi
a medicinal mushroom
Also known as: Lingzhi
Ganoderma tsugae
a bracket fungus
Also known as: Hemlock Reishi
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Polyporales
- Family
- Ganodermataceae
- Genus
- Ganoderma
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: Room temperature
- Freezing duration: Not applicable
- Min Temperature: Cool, dry place
- Refrigeration: Not recommended
How to Clean
Cleaning is not typically necessary unless the specimen is visibly dirty. If needed, gently wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Explore Artist's Conk
Identify mushrooms anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.