Laetiporus portentosus (putawa)

Last Modified: 27-5-2021 22:27

Laetiporus portentosus (pūtawa) is a large bracket fungus native to New Zealand, typically found in native forest on trunks of living beech trees. In addition to its native host, L. portentosus is also able to infect some species of Eucaplytus. Māori used the dried fungus as a means to make and transport fire, and it was also used medicinally to treat wounds, and in childbirth. L. portentosus is a polypore fungus, unlike mushrooms that have gills, instead having a large number of pores on the underside that release spores. Individuals can grow to over 30cm wide and over 10cm thick. L. portentosus can be found throughout New Zealand from Northland to Otago.

This example was observed in native forest at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve.

Image Date: 6/1/2019

Photographer: Christopher Cookson

Location: Latitude: -41.307968 Longitude: 173.550293