Giant polypore
Meripilus giganteus
41.5514, -8.42305
Field Notes
Description:
The basidiocarps consist of numerous rosette-like flattened fan-shaped pilei; they are typically 50–200 centimetres (20–79 in) in diameter and 20–80 centimetres (7.9–31 in) high. The individual caps, up to 20–80 centimetres (7.9–31 in) diameter and 1–4 centimetres (0.39–1.6 in) thick, arise from a common basal stem.
An older specimen of M. giganteus with brown, zonate pilei.
The color of the cap surface is pale tan to dull chestnut brown in young specimens but darkens in age to become concentric zones (zonate) of various shades of brown.
The surface is also finely fibrillose with tiny scales (squamules). There are 3 to 6 pores per millimeter on the underside; the pore surface bruises brown and black, helping to distinguish it from the similar species Grifola frondosa.
Habitat:
Meripilus giganteus is a polypore fungus in the Meripilaceae family. It causes a white rot in various types of broadleaved trees, particularly beech (Fagus), but also Abies, Picea, Pinus, Quercus and Ulmus species. This bracket fungus, commonly known as the giant polypore or black-staining polypore, is often found in large clumps at the base of trees, although fruiting bodies are sometimes found some distance away from the trunk, parasitizing the roots. M. giganteus has a circumboreal distribution in the northern Hemisphere, and is widely distributed in Europe. In the field, it is recognizable by the large, multi-capped fruiting body, as well as its pore surface that quickly darkens black when bruised or injured.
M. giganteus has a circumboreal distribution in the northern hemisphere.It has been collected from Europe, Scandinavia, the area formerly known as the USSR, Iran and Turkey.Although many field guides list it as occurring in North America, this is due to confusion with the related M. sumstinei; M. giganteus is not found in North America.
Notes:
Spotted in a public garden in Portocity.
Pics,1,3 and 4 are from one of them,pics 2,5 and 6 are from the same species(i think) and us last pic show it was spreaded in a grass field near oak trees.
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