A great example of Fistulina hepatica

Back in autumn of 2015, I came across this very large oak that was host to a sublime sporophore of the beefsteak fungus (Fistulina hepatica). Usually rather beaten, bruised, and odd in shape, this one adopted a brilliant form that’s textbook-worthy.

Only slightly beaten at the ‘stalk’, this sporophore is certainly in its mature stage.

A side profile reveals a felt-like  in appearance underside.

Hardly damaged whatsoever, beneath!

Here it can be seen upon its host, just above the bramble line.