Salmon Gum Bolete

Description:

The biggest stemmed mushrooms I have ever seen. Phlebopus marginatus is likely to be Australia's largest terrestrial fungus, with caps reaching to 1 metre across. A specimen from western Victoria was recorded weighing 29 kg. My spotting was a bit smaller than that, but four specimens in all, a couple were dinner plate in size. Mostly golden brown in colour, although leaning towards dark brown to black around the margins and pores. Flat cap, and very thick stipe. Cap texture was smooth and felt like soft foam, and although they look rather heavy, they were very lite in weight despite their size. The third photo shows a specimen that was broken open (not by me), and gives a good view of the interior. All were well-aged specimens that were starting to decompose.

Habitat:

Found in a local park amongst bushland in leafy suburban Sydney. These specimens were found growing on grass beneath native eucalypt species. Clay-based soil, usually dry, but well saturated after frequent heavy rains. Well-shaded area for most of the day.