The genus Phellinus contains around 220 species of wood consuming polypores and crust fungi. Most of the species cause white rot, a plant disease that breaks down lignin and cellulose. The species (Phellinus ellipsoideus) with the largest known fruiting bodies derives from the Phellinus genus.
Genetic analysis is often needed to identify Phellinus species because some species are nearly identical. Fruiting bodies of Phellinus species are sessile (no stipe) and resupinate, which means the hymenium (spore-bearing tissue) is connected directly to the substrate. They also exhibit yellow to tan colored skeletal hyphae. This type of hyphae is long, unbranching with thick-walls of chitin. The flesh of Phellinus species is rough and wood-like.
Also known as the crack cap polypore.
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