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
Pycnoporus sanguineus
Scarlet Bracket Fungus / Cinnabar Bracket
(L.) Murrill, 1904
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Pycnoporus sanguineus is a beautiful polypore fungus, characterized by its bright scarlet or cinnabar-orange color that remains even after drying. The fruiting body is shelf-, fan-, or semicircle-shaped, with a diameter of 2 to 10 cm. Its upper surface is smooth or finely zoned, leathery, and firm in texture. The lower surface (the hymenium) features tiny pores of the same intense red color. Unlike other fungi, it lacks a defined stalk and grows directly attached to wood. It is a saprophytic organism that causes white rot in wood, efficiently decomposing lignin. Its vibrant coloration makes it stand out in the forest landscape as one of the most photogenic fungal species in tropical and subtropical regions.
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Anonymous Curator
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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).Polyporales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Polyporaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pycnoporus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) Murrill, 1904
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 ecosystems, from wet tropical rainforests to dry forests and disturbed open areas. It is found growing almost exclusively on dead logs and branches of broad-leaved trees exposed to the sun. It is notable for its resistance to direct solar radiation, allowing it to colonize wood in open areas where other fungi quickly dry out. In Costa Rica, it is extremely common 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 agent of wood decomposition (white rot). By degrading lignin, it returns essential nutrients to the forest soil. Its bright red color may serve as a warning signal (aposematism) of its hardness or lack of palatability for herbivorous invertebrates. The fruiting bodies can be colonized by small beetles from the Erotylidae family.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
2.0 - 10.0 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
Photoprotective Pigmentation (Cinnabarin): Its intense red color is due to pigments like cinnabarin, which act as a natural sunscreen. This adaptation allows it to survive and continue producing spores on logs exposed to full sunlight, an ecological niche that few fungi can occupy.
Long-lasting Leathery Texture: Unlike fleshy mushrooms, its fruiting body is hard and resistant. This structure allows it to persist for months in the environment, intermittently releasing spores whenever there is sufficient moisture.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss and wood removal: Systematic removal of fallen logs in agricultural and urban landscapes reduces available colonization sites, although the species is highly resilient.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Antibiotic Properties: Scientific studies have shown that Pycnoporus sanguineus produces compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity, which the fungus uses to prevent other microorganisms from competing for the same log.
Use in Bioremediation: Due to its ability to break down complex chemical compounds, this fungus is studied for cleaning industrial effluents and degrading synthetic dyes.