The generic name combines the name Fomes with the Ancient Greek word ὄψις ("appearance").[7]
Fomitopsis species have fruit bodies that are mostly perennial, with forms ranging from sessile to effused-reflexed (partially crust-like and partially pileate). Fruit body texture is typically tough to woody, and the pore surface is white to tan or pinkish-colored with mostly small and regular pores. Microscopically, Fomitopsis has a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae. The spores are hyaline, thin-walled, smooth, roughly spherical to cylindrical, and are negative in Melzer's reagent. Fomitopsis fungi cause a brown rot.[5]
More than 40 species have been accepted in Fomitopsis.
Hong, C.Y.; Lee, S.Y.; Ryu, S.H.; Kim, M. (2017). "Whole-genome de novo sequencing of wood rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris (ATCC62978) with both a cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzyme system". Journal of Biotechnology. 251: 156–159. doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.04.009. PMID28433724.
Han, M.L.; Cui, B.K. (2014). "Morphology and molecular phylogeny for two new species of Fomitopsis (Basidiomycota) from South China". Mycological Progress. 13 (3): 905–914. doi:10.1007/s11557-014-0976-0. S2CID7516401.
Aime, L.; Ryvarden, L.; Henkel, T.W. (2007). "Studies in Neotropical polypores 22. Additional new and rare species from Guyana". Synopsis Fungorum. 23: 15–31.
Zhao, Ji-Ding; Zhang, Xiao-Qing (1991). "中国拟层孔菌属二新种" [Two new species of genus Fomitopsis Karsten in China]. Acta Mycologica Sinica (in Chinese). 10: 113–116.
Han, Mei-Ling; Cui, Bao-Kai (2015). "Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal a new species and a new Chinese record of Fomitopsis (Polyporales)". Phytotaxa. 56: 168–176.
Li, H.J.; Cui, B.K. (2013). "Fomitopsis subtropics (Polyporales, Basidiomycota), a new species from South China". Mycological Progress. 12: 709–718. doi:10.1007/s11557-012-0882-2. S2CID9698835.