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Red-belted conk

Fomitopsis pinicola

A species of Fomitopsis, Also known as Red-banded polypore

This bracket or shelf fungus grows for years on both living and dead conifer trees. Its annual growth creates distinctive rings or ridges, with a bright red or orange band separating the old layers from the current growth. Red-belted conk is only a danger to living trees if it colonizes a very deep cut or broken top.

Cap Diameter:

10 - 30 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Red-belted conk

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Attributes of Red-belted conk

Cap Diameter

10 - 30 cm

Height

5 - 20 cm

Cap

Cap 40 cm across; fan-shaped, convex; red, with a white to yellow marginal area; smooth

Cap Shape

Convex

Stem

Absent

Flesh

Leathery to woody; cream to buff

Ring

Shiny or varnished; red, white

Spore Print Color

White to very pale lemon yellow

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees

You can find Red-belted conk by these plants:

Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland, Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Most conspicuous and widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify Red-belted conk

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Red-belted conk

The red-belted conk grows in woods, mostly coniferous. It is associated with deadwood and rotting wood and it appears on logs, stumps, sometimes on a fractured wood, but rarely on a living tree.

Distribution Area of Red-belted conk

North America,Europe,Asia

Uses of Red-belted conk

Red-belted conk holds medicinal value, traditionally utilized for its purported health benefits. While not a popular edible mushroom, it's sought after for its potential therapeutic properties. Its availability may vary seasonally, and it's often harvested for specific medicinal uses rather than culinary purposes. Collectors should note that red-belted conk is not typically consumed as food but rather applied in herbal medicine practices. Safety precautions are essential when using red-belted conk medicinally to ensure proper application and avoid adverse effects.

Scientific Classification of Red-belted conk

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Bracket polypores

Genus

Fomitopsis

Similar Species to Red-belted conk

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Tips for Finding Red-belted conk

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When is the Best Time to Find Red-belted conk

Search for red-belted conk during late summer to autumn. Look after periods of rainy, cool weather followed by warmer, dryer days that encourage growth.

What are Some Tips for Finding Red-belted conk

Search around coniferous forest areas, examining stumps and fallen logs for red-belted conk.
Inspect deadwood of both conifers and hardwoods, as red-belted conk could be growing alone or in groups on these substrates.
Look for red-belted conk at various heights, from ground level to higher up on tree trunks.
Scan for red-belted conk's fruiting bodies, which are perennial and may be found throughout various stages of decay on the wood.
Check on older trees and consider looking at wood that shows signs of damage or disease as potential hosts for red-belted conk.

How to Clean and Preserve Red-belted conk

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How to Clean Red-belted conk

Remove debris from red-belted conk using a soft brush or air blower. If needed, lightly dampen a cloth with water and gently wipe the surface. Avoid soaking as red-belted conk has a woody texture and excessive moisture may damage it.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Red-belted conk

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in airtight containers; cool, dark, low humidity.

Dehydrator drying: Efficiently reduces moisture content; maintains quality.