Host Specificity of Some Wood-Inhabiting Fungi in a Tropical Forest

Abstract

AbstractSporocarps of 82 species of poroid and stereoid wood-inhabiting fungi (Aphyllophorales) were recorded on 44 tree species in a Neotropical dry forest, Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica. Only three of the 32 species with 3 or more records showed signs of host tree specialization. For the others, number of host species increased with increasing number of colonized logs. The results support the assumption that most wood rotting fungi have broad host ranges in tropical areas.Key Words: AphyllophoralesBasidiomycetesCosta Ricahost interactionslignicolous fungitropical forestwood decomposition