Beefsteak Fungus (Fistulina hepatica)

Edibility:Edible

Eating notes: Older specimens can taste slightly sour and tough. Young specimens are acceptable but not choice.

Cap: 8-20cm Bracket. Redish brown above, cream below

Stem: Short, thick and lateral. May be abscent altogether.

Tubes: Cream coloured shallow layer (5-15mm)

Pores: Seperate from each other, not fusing as with the Boletes.

Spores: White or very pale ochre

Flesh: Deep red with paler mottling. Exudes blood-like juice. Just like raw meat.

Habitat: Grows on acient Oak and Chestnut trees.

Frequency: Frequent