Panus

Panus is a genus of fungi in the family Polyporaceae. It comprises wood-decaying species that produce shelf- or fan-shaped fruit bodies on dead wood, particularly on fallen logs and stumps. Members are typically tough, woody or leathery and range in color from pale tan to brown or gray.

Morphology and characteristics vary among species. The fruit bodies tend to be irregular or fan-shaped, and the underside hymenophore can be poroid or lamellate depending on the species. Spores are generally white or pale and are released from the surface that contacts the air. The texture of Panus fruit bodies is often hard, making many species unsuitable for culinary use.

Ecology and distribution: Panus species are saprotrophs that contribute to the decomposition of hardwoods and other lignocellulosic material. They are found worldwide, with higher diversity in tropical and subtropical regions and a broader, less diverse presence in temperate zones.

Taxonomy: The genus has undergone revisions as mycologists refine its relationships within Polyporaceae. Some species formerly placed in Panus have been moved to related genera such as Lentinus or Polyporus, reflecting changes driven by molecular data and comparative morphology.

Human uses and notes: Most Panus species are not regarded as edible due to their woody flesh and tough texture. They are primarily of interest to mycologists, ecologists, and naturalists studying wood-decay fungi and forest ecosystems.