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Artist's conk

Ganoderma applanatum

A species of Artist's bracket and allies, Also known as Bear bread

This shelf fungus can live for several consecutive years and can be dated by the growth ridges seen on its dark surface. Artist's conk grows in tiered groups at the bases of oak, beech, and conifers, as well as deadwood. When its spores release, they cover the area with visible brown dust. Scratches in the white undersurface create dark lines.

Cap Diameter:

10 - 30 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Artist's conk

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Attributes of Artist's conk

Cap Diameter

10 - 30 cm

Height

5 - 30 cm

Cap

10 - 30 cm across, 8 - 14 cm deep; semicircular, irregular; brownish to grayish brown; smooth

Cap Shape

Flat

Cap Surfaces

Smooth

Stem

Stem usually absent

Flesh

Thin; woody; brown to cinnamon brown

Ring

Colored and/or textured in concentric rings

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Bronze

Gray

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to brown

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees

You can find Artist's conk by these plants:

Eastern cottonwood, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Common and widely distributed in North America.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Artist's conk

Fruiting Body Cap Flesh

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Habitat of Artist's conk

Artist's conk fungus can be found in hardwood forests. It can be a parasite of living trees, but more often feeds on dead, decaying stumps and logs.

Distribution Area of Artist's conk

North America,Europe,northern Asia,Australia

Uses of Artist's conk

Artist's conk is valued primarily for its medicinal properties, rather than culinary applications. It's not commonly consumed as food but has been traditionally used in various cultures for its potential health benefits. As a medicinal mushroom, artist's conk is often utilized in making tinctures and teas believed to support the immune system. However, consumers should consult with healthcare professionals before using artist's conk due to the importance of correct dosage and potential interactions with other medications.

Scientific Classification of Artist's conk

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Ganodermataceae

Genus

Artist's bracket and allies

Similar Species to Artist's conk

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Tips for Finding Artist's conk

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When is the Best Time to Find Artist's conk

Look for artist's conk during summer and fall, especially after periods of rainfall. This mushroom enjoys moderate to warmer temperatures, ideally above 60°F (15°C), with moisture-rich conditions facilitating growth.

What are Some Tips for Finding Artist's conk

Search around decaying hardwood logs and tree stumps.
Inspect wounded or dying hardwood trees for the presence of artist's conk.
Look for artist's conk in areas with high concentrations of hardwood trees.
Check both solitary and clustered arrangements on potential substrates.

How to Clean and Preserve Artist's conk

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How to Clean Artist's conk

Gently tap against a surface to dislodge insects and dirt. Trim overly dirty parts. Use a damp towel to remove remaining dirt and check for insects and larvae. Minimize water exposure to prevent waterlogging.

Tips on Dry Preservation of Artist's conk

Drying Methods

Dehydrator Drying

Drying Duration

12 - 24 months

Store in a cool, dark, dry place with airtight containers to prevent moisture.

Dehydrator drying: Efficient moisture removal, consistent airflow and temperature control.