Phellinidium pouzarii is a wood-inhabiting white-rotting perennial resupinate polypore forming distinct and strikingly smelling fruitbodies on large lying trunks of Abies (A. alba, A. nordmanniana) in old growth forests. It seems to be resticted to natural range of his hosts in Central and Eastern Europe. It is strongly andangered by logging in some countries, moreover even in the protected olf growth forest remnants in central Europe a decline of Abies is expected. Although there are possible unknown localities in southeastern Europe, total number of localities probably does not exceed 100 and number of mature individuals is thus estimated to not more than 2000. A continuing decline is inferred based on the reduction in number of old Abies trees on which it can grow. Therefore the species qualifies as EN according to A3 and C1 criteria.

Previously known as Phellinus pouzarii Kotlaba. There are two closely related species restricted to angiosperms, namely P. fragrans (Asia, North America) and P. asiaticum (Asia).

It is a rare European species confined to distribution range of Abies alba and Abies nordmanniana, occurring on large logs of Abies alba in old growth forests. Strongly endangered due to decline of pristine forests as well as its main host.

The species is known only from several sites in Central and south eastern Europe (main range of Abies alba and A. nordmanniana): Germany (1), Czech Republic (4), Austria (3), Croatia (1), Slovakia (4), Georgia (?). Single localities are so far documented from Ukraine, Russia (Caucasus) and Romania, where the species can be little more widespread. Two doubtful records in GBIF from Spain and continental Russia.

Central European range very fragmented, with very few localities mostly in the best preserved old growth forests. Solitary occurences in south-eastern Europe where more localities can be expected in eastern Carpathians (and maybe mountains of Balkans) and Caucasus. Current trends largely unknown, populations stable in central Europe but with expected decline in future due to extinction debt connected with the retreat of Abies.

Mountain mixed forests with Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica and Picea abies. All the sites known so far represent exceptionally well preserved natural forests. The species was so raf recorded almost exclusively on Abies alba, less documented on Abies nordmanniana. Mycelium presumably occurs in living old trees (endophytic phase?) and perennial fruitbodies occur on fallen logs, preferrably on lateral or bottom sides, but also on broken surfaces. Paradoxically, fruitbodies are often observed also on cut surfaces of trunks fallen across forest roads or paths, made by foresters. Details about establishment and life history are largely unknown, but recent study from Bavarian Forest (Germany) found no evidence that P. pouzarii is more abundant than can be assumed from fruitbody occurrence (Roy et al. 2025).

Only a few sites worldwide within very rare old growth forests. Despite strict protection in central Europe, there is distinct decline of Abies in old growth forests, which is being replaced by Fagus due to climate shifts and also historical reasons (Vrška et al. 2009). At least in some parts of its range (namely Romania) old growth forests are highly threatened by logging.

Strict protection of all sites and monitoring in the eastern area. Population maintenance by reintroduction after cultivation.

Monitoring especially in the south-eastern area. Research for ecology and dispersal capability.

irrelevant

Jahn, H. 1982?. Die resupinaten Phellinus-Arten in MItteleuropa…..Nachträge 1967-1981.
Ryvarden L. 1978. Polyporaceae of North Europe. Vol. 2. Fungiflora Oslo.
Ryvarden L. & I. Melot 2014: Poroid fungi of Europe: 330-331.