Fomes

Fomes is a genus of bracket fungi in the family Polyporaceae. Members form perennial, hoof-shaped fruiting bodies known as conks, which attach to trees by a broad base and persist for several years. The caps are hard and woody or corky, often with concentric zoning, and the underside bears a pore surface composed of small, round openings. Colors and textures vary among species, but upper surfaces are generally gray to brown.

Ecology and habitat: Fomes species are wood-decay fungi that grow on living or recently dead trees and logs. They are typically saprobic but may act as parasites, causing slow, persistent decay in the host. They occur in temperate and boreal regions worldwide, on a variety of hardwoods and conifers.

Notable species: Fomes fomentarius, commonly known as tinder fungus or hoof fungus, is the best known member. Its durable inner tissue has historically been used as tinder for fire-making, and amadou derived from the conk has featured in crafts and traditional practices. Fomes pinicola, or the red-belted conk, is widespread on conifers in northern forests and is recognizable for a reddish belt on the outer portion of the cap.

Taxonomy and name: The genus Fomes is placed in the Polyporaceae. The name derives from Latin fomes, meaning tinder, reflecting the historical use associated with Fomes fomentarius. Overall, Fomes represents a group of hardy, perennial shelf fungi that contribute to wood decay and have played a notable role in human use and folklore.