The Laccate Ganoderma of the Southeastern United States: A Cosmopolitan and Important Genus of Wood Decay Fungi

Ganoderma Karst. is a large and diverse genus of wood decay fungi that can rot the roots and/or lower trunk of many tree species. There are several laccate (varnished or polished) Ganoderma species that are found in the southeastern United States. These species can be recognized by their shiny, reddish-brown, and shelf-like fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies have a pale pore surface on the bottom that darkens with age or handling and can be stipitate (stem present) or sessile (stem absent). Laccate Ganoderma species fruit year-round in most parts of the southeastern United States, but fruiting may be restricted to warm months in northern areas. When Ganoderma fruiting bodies are observed, it is an indication that wood decay is active, whether on fallen logs, buried roots, or the trunks of living or dead trees.