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
Schizophyllum radiatum
Radiate Splitgill Mushroom
(Sw.) Fr., 1838
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Schizophyllum radiatum is a small, persistent saprophytic fungus that forms fan- or shell-shaped fruiting bodies, 1 to 4 cm wide. Its upper surface is densely hairy or cottony, white to pale gray in color. The defining characteristic of this genus is its gills (lamellae) on the underside: these appear longitudinally split. In dry conditions, the gills roll inward to protect the spore-producing surface and reopen with moisture. It lacks a stalk and attaches directly to dead wood. It is remarkably resistant to desiccation, capable of surviving years in a dormant state and reviving with a single rain.
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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).Schizophyllaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Schizophyllum
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Sw.) Fr., 1838
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.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
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 a wide variety of tropical and subtropical ecosystems, from wet rainforests to urban areas and dry forests. It is found exclusively on dead wood of broad-leaved trees, fallen logs, branches, and even structural timber. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and resilient fungal species, tolerating high sun exposure and prolonged drought periods. In Costa Rica, it is omnipresent throughout the country, from the coasts to the mountains.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 wood decomposer, crucial for the nutrient cycle. Its ability to colonize hard and dry woods positions it as one of the first organisms to initiate degradation in hostile environments. It provides microhabitat for small invertebrates, and its spores are food for mycophagous insects.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1.0 - 4.0 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
Hygroscopic Split Gills: The gills have the ability to roll over themselves when ambient humidity drops. This mechanical mechanism protects the hymenium (fertile tissue) from extreme desiccation, allowing the fungus to remain viable for years and resume spore release immediately upon rehydration.
Insulating Hairy Surface: The dense covering of hairs on the pileus traps a layer of still air, reducing evaporation and protecting the mycelium from direct ultraviolet radiation in exposed environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Dead wood removal: As a strict saprotroph, the removal of woody debris in urban areas and managed forests reduces its colonization opportunities.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Thousands of Sexes: Schizophyllum is famous in mycology for having an extremely complex mating system with over 23,000 'mating types' (functional equivalents to sexes), ensuring that almost any encounter between two individuals results in successful reproduction.