Costa Rica Species
Trametes versicolor
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

Trametes versicolor

Turkey Tail

(L.) Lloyd, 1920

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Polypore fungus growing in the form of thin, leathery fans or shelves. Its main feature is the concentric zones of contrasting colors including shades of brown, gray, black, blue, white, and even reddish. The upper surface is finely velvety, while the lower is white or cream with tiny pores.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Hongo de estantePolíporo versicolorMany-zoned polyporeYun Zhi

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.Trametes
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) Lloyd, 1920
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

One of the most common fungi on the planet. It grows on fallen logs and branches of virtually any type of hardwood and occasionally on conifers. It is found in temperate and tropical forests worldwide.

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

Acts as a white-rot decomposer, efficiently degrading wood lignin. Its fruiting bodies are tough and can persist for months, serving as a habitat for various species of mycophagous insects.

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

Leathery and persistent fruiting body that resists freezing and thawing cycles.
High genetic variability allowing it to colonize a vast range of tree species in different climates.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Overexploitation in wild areas for commercial use in medicinal supplements.
Forestry practices that systematically remove dead wood, reducing its vital substrate.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

Contains polysaccharide-K (PSK), a compound studied and used in some countries as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment.
While not toxic, its texture is similar to hard cardboard, so it is generally consumed in infusions or extracts rather than eaten directly.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.