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
Rigidoporus microporus
White Root Disease / White Root Rot
(Sw.) Overeem, 1924
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Rigidoporus microporus is a highly pathogenic polypore fungus that attacks the root system of tropical trees. It initially manifests as bright white rhizomorphs (mycelial cords) that adhere firmly to the root surface. The fruiting body is a shelf-like bracket of rigid and corky consistency, with a zoned upper surface ranging from yellowish-orange to reddish-brown, and a whitish margin. The underside is vibrant orange and features extremely tiny pores. This fungus actively degrades lignin and cellulose, causing white rot that weakens the tree's structure, leading to sudden death due to lack of water absorption or windfall.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
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).Polyporales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Meripilaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Rigidoporus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Sw.) Overeem, 1924
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 tropical forest ecosystems and lowland agricultural areas. It is especially destructive in monocultures such as rubber, oil palm, and various fruit trees. It thrives in moist soils with abundant buried woody organic matter. In Costa Rica, it is an important pathogen in the Caribbean and South Pacific regions, where high rainfall favors the growth of its rhizomorphs through the soil.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 behaves as a necrotrophic parasite that can persist as a saprotroph in dead stumps for many years. It is a structurally dominant species in tropical forest soil, influencing forest gap dynamics by eliminating old or weakened trees. Its spread is mainly through root contact and through the soil via rhizomorphs.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 20.0 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
Exploratory Rhizomorphs: It produces white mycelial cords that can grow several meters through the soil searching for new healthy roots. This active search capability allows it to spread from tree to tree without the need for airborne spores.
Aggressive Enzymatic Degradation: It secretes a complex of ligninolytic enzymes that rapidly break down hardwood, transforming the root's structural tissue into a soft, wet mass.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Management practices and fungicides: Soil treatment with sulfur and the use of systemic fungicides are the primary tools to control its spread in agriculture.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Invisible Killer: Often the tree appears healthy on the outside (green canopy) until the root system is 80% destroyed, at which point the tree dies or falls suddenly.