- Worldwide distribution. In the tropics. The fungus has a wide host range, attacking native and exotic forest trees, plantation crops, including cocoa (and shade trees), oil palm, rubber, coffee. Attacks breadfruit (Pingelap disease). An important disease.
- Spores of the fungus infect tree stumps as land is cleared. The fungus travels along the roots to healthy trees, growing up to 1 m on the trunk as a thick brown crust, causing death. Brackets form on the old tree stumps 3-4 years after infection.
- Cultural control: survey plantations 6-monthly for brackets on stumps, and crusts on trunks; if seen, remove with all roots over 2.5 cm diameter.
- Chemical control: none recommended.