Sparrasis crispa

[Gareth jones]

Found a good looking and sized fruiting body within 1-2 ft of a scots pine this morning, and for the life if me cant remember what type of fungi it is.. And its not on the fungi id app and don't have any access to my reading material! Sooo if anyone has the time to share share some information they know on it, i would be greatfull! Thanks in advance

[Beezy]

Info from Kew website mate http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Sparassis-crispa-.htm:

 

Cubical brown rotter, good eating too!

 

Species information

Common name(s): cauliflower fungus, wood cauliflower.

Conservation status: Widespread and fairly common in Britain, and not considered of conservation concern there. Frequent in much of Europe but rarer in some areas, and rated as Vulnerable (VU) in the Red Book of Belarus.

Habitat: Parasitic on roots of conifers, especially pines, fruiting at the base of the trunk, or sometimes on old stumps, and causing a cubical brown rot. Mostly found on Pinus spp, but there are also British records of it growing on species of Cedrus, Picea, Pseudotsuga and Sequoia/Sequoiadendron.

Known hazards: A good edible species, though fruitbodies should be collected in good, fresh condition, thoroughly washed to remove dirt and grit from amongst the lobes, and well-cooked before eating.

[Gareth jones]

Lovely stuff! Cheers Beezy. Know I've got to work out how much of the root system is affected! I'll get me trowel haha