Polyporaceae is a family of fungi commonly known as polypores. These fungi are characterized by their tough, woody fruiting bodies that often grow on trees and decaying wood. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. Members of the Polyporaceae family typically have pores or tubes on the underside of their caps, which release spores for reproduction. Some well-known genera within this family include Ganoderma and Fomes. Many polypores are also used in traditional medicine and have applications in biotechnology.