Beefsteak fungus

Fistulina hepatica

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 Kroondomein 't Loo (sources: see reference)

Species ID Suggestions

6 Comments

Jae 4 years ago

Thank you, Project Noah! It's an honor to be nominated.

@Machi Thank you. It's one of my favorite species of bracket fungus so it's always a pleasure to spot one :)

Machi 4 years ago

Nice! I've always wanted to find one of these.

AntónioGinjaGinja 4 years ago

Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!

Jae 4 years ago

@SarahWhitt Thank you for your comment. I definitely agree with you, it's a stunning looking bracket fungus. Younger specimens are equally beautiful or so I've read.

@Tukup Haha I see a bit too bloody for you :) I read that this fungus has a rather tart taste and a slimy texture, but when prepared the right way is supposedly quite enjoyable to eat. http://goingwildforaging.blogspot.com/20...
Thank you too, Tukup!