Beefsteak fungus

Description:

When fully developed the fruitbody of Fistulina hepatica is irregular in shape but often fan-shaped or tongue-like. The caps range from 10 to 30 cm across and 3 to 6 cm thick. The upper surface of a beefsteak fungus gradually turns deep red and develops a rough warty surface. The straw-yellow pores become reddish-brown as the fruiting body ages and they bruise deep red-brown. It is very easy to separate the tubes which, unlike those of many other polypores, are not bonded together.

Habitat:

Fistulina hepatica is saprobic and sometimes weakly parasitic on the wood of hardwoods, especially oaks and chestnut. Growing alone or in small groups near the bases of trees and on stumps.

Notes:

Spotted in Speulderbos, Veluwe, Holland. (sources: see reference)