FungiHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Favolaschia calocera
Orange Pore Fungus
R. Heim, 1966
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Favolaschia calocera is a small but strikingly bright orange basidiomycete fungus. It is characterized by its fan- or shell-shaped cap (5 to 30 mm), held by a small lateral stalk. The most distinctive feature is the underside, which features large, deep, and angular pores giving it a honeycomb appearance. Its texture is somewhat gelatinous when wet. Originally from Madagascar, it has become a global invasive species, rapidly colonizing dead wood in tropical and temperate forests. Its vibrant color and unique porous structure make it unmistakable in the field.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Basidiomycota
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Agaricomycetes
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Agaricales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Mycenaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Favolaschia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.R. Heim, 1966
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Introduced
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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EdibilityWhether this mushroom is edible, toxic, hallucinogenic, or of unknown safety. Never eat based solely on this data.
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Cap ShapeShape of the mushroom cap (pileus): convex, flat, umbonate, funnel-shaped, bell-shaped, etc.
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Hymenium TypeThe spore-bearing surface of a fungus: gills, pores, teeth, ridges, smooth, or wrinkled.
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Fruiting SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It inhabits wet forests and disturbed areas, growing on fallen twigs, decaying logs, and woody remains of a wide variety of trees. It is a highly adaptable species that thrives in shaded and moist microclimates. In Costa Rica, it has been frequently observed across various regions, expanding rapidly due to its invasive capacity on understory dead wood.SubstrateThe organic material or host organism this fungus colonizes and decomposes. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a primary decomposer of small woody remains. Its invasive behavior alters local decomposer food webs. It appears in large numbers (gregarious), sometimes completely covering small fallen branches with its orange spots.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
0.5 - 3.0 cm
Hymenium StructuresMacro photographs of the spore-bearing surfaces used for mushroom identification.
No hymenium surface images available.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Favoloid Pore Structure: The large, deep pores increase the surface area of the hymenium, allowing massive spore production in a very small fruiting body.
Rapid Invasive Capacity: It possesses aggressively growing mycelium that allows it to colonize woody substrates before native species, displacing other local saprophytic fungi.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Competition with native fungi: As an invasive species, it poses a threat to local mycological biodiversity by competing for the same resources (dead wood).
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Global Traveler: Native to Madagascar, it is believed to have spread worldwide through the transport of wood and ornamental plants, successfully establishing itself in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and America.