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Artists conk

Ganoderma brownii

A species of Artist's bracket and allies

The large, semi-circular caps of the artists conk (Ganoderma brownii) stretch out from the timber of both living and dead trees. Unlike other mushrooms, the pores on their bottom surfaces are so small and tight that these fruitbodies can be utilized by artists as a canvas. Breaking one of these impressive caps off a tree is discouraged, however, as their astoundingly long lifespan is quite unique. If left undisturbed, a single mushroom may remain for multiple decades!

Cap Diameter:

5 - 25 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Artists conk

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Attributes of Artists conk

Cap Diameter

5 - 25 cm

Cap

20 cm x 10 cm x 5 cm; semicircular, hoof-shaped; brown

Stem

Stemless

Flesh

Up to 4 cm thick; firm-fibrous; tough, woody to corky; dark purplish brown

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

Flesh Bruises

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

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic, Parasitic

Substrate

Wood of Living Trees, Dead Woods

You can find Artists conk by these plants:

Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland

Species Status

Very common

Endangered Species

How to Identify Artists conk

Fruiting Body Cap Pores

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Habitat of Artists conk

The Ganoderma brownii occurs in woods, mostly deciduous, and it's particularly associated with California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica). It grows on living trees or standing dead trees, on stumps, logs, at the bases of trunks, or from the wounds of an injured tree.

Scientific Classification of Artists conk

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Shelf fungi

Family

Ganodermataceae

Genus

Artist's bracket and allies

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Tips for Finding Artists conk

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What are Some Tips for Finding Artists conk

Look for artists conk on living or fallen hardwood, especially bay laurel, as they often inhabit these tree species.
Scan for exposed tree stumps or logs in elevated, wooded landscapes, which can frequently be productive spots.
Be observant of hardwood trees, both standing and those that appear to be in decay, as they may host artists conk.
Examine areas with small groups of trees or scattered greenery, as artists conk can sometimes be found in these settings.

How to Clean and Preserve Artists conk

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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Are all Ganoderma edible?

Where does artists conk grow?

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