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 hirsuta
Hairy Bracket
(Wulfen) Lloyd
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A sessile, bracket-like polypore fungus characterized by its semicircular, fan-shaped fruiting bodies that grow in overlapping tiers on dead wood. The upper surface is densely covered with coarse, stiff, velvety hairs (hirsute) and displays concentric zones of whitish, grey, brownish, or yellowish tones, often developing a green tint due to symbiotic algal growth. The lower pore surface is whitish to pale grey or yellowish, containing minute, circular pores where spores are produced.
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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).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.(Wulfen) Lloyd
Record Completeness
85%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.
Decomposer
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
Widespread and highly common across saprotrophic niches in temperate Northern Hemisphere woodlands. It is primarily found growing on fallen logs, stumps, and dead branches of deciduous hardwood trees (especially beech, birch, and oak), and occasionally on conifers. It thrives in open forests, parks, and orchards with abundant sun exposure and moisture.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 an annual, sometimes overwintering, saprotrophic agent. The vegetative mycelium remains hidden within the wood substrate, continuously digesting fibers until conditions trigger the development of the external shelf-like fruiting bodies to release microscopic spores.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 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
Produces specialized extracellular enzymes, including laccases and peroxidases, allowing the mycelium to aggressively break down complex lignin and cellulose structures, causing white rot in dead wood.
The dense, stiff hairs on the upper cap function to trap ambient moisture and shield the reproductive mycelial structure from drying out during dry weather cycles, while providing an ideal substrate for mutualistic green algae.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
No significant global threats affect this highly resilient fungus. Local populations can be localizedly reduced in heavily managed commercial forests where dead wood, stumps, and fallen timber are strictly removed.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The green zones frequently seen on the cap are not part of the fungus itself; they are colonies of green algae that establish a commensal relationship, taking advantage of the moisture trapped by the fungal hairs.
Due to its tough, leathery texture, Trametes hirsuta is completely inedible to humans, but it is being extensively studied in biotechnology for its ability to degrade synthetic dyes and industrial pollutants via its enzymes.