Fomitopsidaceae

Fomitopsidaceae is a family of fungi belonging to the order Polyporales. These fungi are typically wood-decaying organisms, playing a significant role in forest ecosystems by decomposing dead wood. Many species within this family are polypores, characterized by their tough, woody, or leathery fruiting bodies, often with pores on the underside. The pores are the reproductive structures where basidiospores are produced.

The family encompasses a diverse range of genera, including Fomitopsis, Laetiporus, and Phellinus. Fomitopsis species are known for their hard, perennial fruiting bodies that can persist for many years. Laetiporus, commonly known as "chicken of the woods," is recognized for its bright orange and yellow colors and its edibility, though not all species are suitable for consumption. Phellinus, another prominent genus, contains many species with tough, woody, and often resupinate (shelf-like) fruiting bodies.

Fomitopsidaceae fungi can cause both brown rot and white rot decay in wood. Brown rot fungi primarily degrade cellulose, leaving behind lignin, which results in a crumbly, brown residue. White rot fungi, on the other hand, are capable of breaking down lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, leading to a stringy, white or bleached appearance of the decayed wood. Their ecological importance lies in nutrient cycling and decomposition.