Group of Fungi: Polypores

Family: Polyporaceae

Latin Name: Trichaptum biforme (Fr.) Ryvarden

Common Name: Violet Toothed Polypore

Description: Semicircular shelf-like or hoof-shaped structure, commonly occurring in overlapping clusters, these often extensive; cap 3/8–2 1/2 in (1–6.5 cm) across and 1/8–1/4 in (0.3–0.5 cm) thick, upper surface light gray to pale buff, hairy, concentrically zoned with a purple margin; spore-bearing surface violet to purple when young but fading in age and becoming cream colored or buff, pores moderately large, at first angular but splitting to give rise to spine-like projections; stalk lacking; spores white in mass.

Biological Role: Decomposer of wood.

Habitat: On fallen logs and stumps of broadleaf trees or more rarely conifers.

Geographical Distribution: Widely distributed throughout North America.

Comments: Trichaptum biforme, one of the more common and widely distributed polypores, has been recorded from many different species of trees. The bright violet to purple color of the spore-bearing surface in fresh specimens of this fungus is a distinctive feature not shared with any other species likely to be encountered in NCR parks.